# NTSB MKC87LA019: Cessna 152, N5175M, Gretna, NE, November 11, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 11, 1986, 15:35 local (21:35 UTC)
- Place: Gretna, NE
- Coordinates: 41.139003, -96.239898 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1390&lon=-96.2399&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34322
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34322/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA019

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - procedures/directives - disregarded, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR STATED THAT THIS TRAINING FLIGHT WOULD EMPHASIZE POWER REDUCTION MANUEVERS, TO INCLUDE: SLOW FLIGHT, POWER-OFF STALLS, AND FLIGHT AT MINIMUM CONTROLLABLE AIRSPEED.  THIRTY MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT, AND DURING THE APPLICATION OF POWER FOR RECOVERY, THE ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER AND EXPERIENCING WIDE FLUCTUATIONS IN R.P.M. REMEDIAL ACTION WAS FRUITLESS AS THE ENGINE WOULD ALTERNATE BETWEEN FULL POWER AND WINDMILLING, THEREFORE A LANDING WAS ATTEMTED IN A CORNFIELD. REPORTS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FOR THE AREA WHERE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED INDICATED FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR CARBURETOR ICING DUE TO THE HIGH HUMIDITY AND LOW TEMPERATURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5175M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5175M-2009-09-25), registration cancelled 2009-09-25, S/N 15284503, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15284503
- Airframe hours: 2480
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pro-Flte, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 20, 1986
- Departed: MLE, OMAHA, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 580 total, 445 in this make and model, 475 as pilot in command, 234 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 12 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point 9 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OFF, 17 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 19861111056159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861111056159A), Nov 11, 1986: Cessna 152, Gretna, NE, Substantial damage. Engine had intermittent power after training on power reduction maneuvers. Landed in a field. Carburetor icing.

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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