# NTSB MIA90LA112: Cessna 172D, N2670U, Isla Grande, PR, April 28, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 28, 1990, 10:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Isla Grande, PR
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32650
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA90LA112
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32650/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA90LA112

## Probable cause

IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN CARBURETOR ICE.  THE WEATHER (CARBURETOR ICING CONDITION) WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - normal
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

AT ABOUT 4500 FT MSL, THE PILOT REDUCED THE THOTTLE SETTING TO IDLE FOR AN EXTENDED DESCENT, AND DID NOT APPLY SUFFICIENT CARBURETOR HEAT.  THE ENGINE LOST POWER ABOUT 3 MIN LATER, AND THE PILOT DITCHED THE AIRPLANE SHORT OF THE AIRPORT. THE CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2670U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2670U-2012-09-19), registration cancelled 2012-09-19, S/N 17250270, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172D
- Registry model: [Cessna 172D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172d) (registry code 2072410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6V 350 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-350-series) (registry code 27043, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17250270
- Airframe hours: 3000
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A-350-C2 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Flores, Eusebio
- Registered owner: Flores, Eseebio
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TNCM, ST MAARTEN, OF
- Destination: TJIG, ISLA GRANDE, PR
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 243 total, 90 in this make and model, 183 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 115° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJU, 12 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 19900428012929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900428012929A), Apr 28, 1990: Cessna STC172, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Destroyed. Failed to use full carburetor heat on letdown for airport. Engine stopped. Aircraft ditched in lagoon and sank.

## Other investigations on N2670U (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA68D0434](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA68D0434), Feb 23, 1968: Cessna 172 (N2670U), Isabela, PR, substantial damage

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.

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