# NTSB FTW99LA139: Cessna 175B, N8133T, Spur, TX, May 13, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 13, 1999, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC) - Place: Spur, TX - Coordinates: 33.470077, -100.850555 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4701&lon=-100.8506&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 22, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46298 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA139 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46298/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA139 ## Probable cause The total loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, cruise - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - terrain condition - rough/uneven - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) ## Analysis The airplane's engine lost total power during cruise flight at 4,000 feet agl. The pilot executed a forced landing to a dirt road. The airplane initially touched down adjacent to the dirt road and then again became airborne. The airplane crossed over a barbed wire fence and contacted the ground a second time, coming to rest upright in sandy terrain. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector and an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the engine. ## Factual narrative On May 13, 1999, at 0830 central daylight time, a Cessna 175B airplane, N8133T, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Spur, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the operator of the airplane, and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was owned by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The cross-country flight originated from Brownfield, Texas, at 0730, and was destined for Fort Smith, Arkansas. According to the 873-hour pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight at 4,000 feet agl when the engine lost total power. He initiated a forced landing to a dirt road. The airplane initially touched down adjacent to the dirt road and then again became airborne. The airplane crossed over a barbed wire fence and contacted the ground a second time, coming to rest upright in sandy terrain. An FAA inspector examined the airplane at the site and stated that the right wing spar sustained structural damage, and the engine firewall was buckled. Additionally, the nose wheel was bent beneath the airframe. Another pilot reported that while he was landing the accident airplane at Brownfield, Texas, the day before the accident, the engine lost power as the airplane "touched down." The airplane was visually examined at Brownfield. The engine was started and it operated within the manufacturer's specifications. He then flew the airplane for approximately 1 hour. No anomalies were found. The FAA inspector examined the engine and reported that he established continuity from the propeller, through the engine crankshaft, to the accessory gears. He added that the spark plugs appeared clean and free of sediment. A certified airframe and powerplant mechanic examined the carburetor. He reported that there was fuel present in the bowl, and "the screen was clean and the metal float O.K." He added that the idle control was set properly. No other anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation of the engine. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8133T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8133T-2002-08-29), registration cancelled 2002-08-29, S/N 17556833, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 175B - Registry model: [Cessna 175B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-175b) (registry code 2072506) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental GO-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-go-300-series) (registry code 17024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17556833 - Airframe hours: 1528 - Engines: Continental GO-300D 175 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Bill O. Larue - Registered owner: Jim Lentsch - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1998 - Departed: Q26, BROWNFIELD, TX - Destination: FSM, FORT SMITH, AR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 873 total, 15 in this make and model, 472 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 130° at 15 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 1,400 ft overcast - Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: LBB, 50 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19990513005109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990513005109A), May 13, 1999: Cessna 175B, Spur, TX, Substantial damage. Acft engine failed and the acft made an emergency landing in a field. (.19) on may 13, 1999, at 0830 central daylight time, a Cessna 175B airplane, N8133T, was… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.