# NTSB MKC87LA069: Cessna 152, N89547, Tribune, KS, March 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 31, 1987, 11:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Tribune, KS
- Coordinates: 38.470024, -101.749305 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4700&lon=-101.7493&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34356
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34356/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA069

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - attempted, pilot in command
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - snow covered (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS SPOTTING STRAY CATTLE AFTER A SNOW BLIZZARD MOVED THROUGH THE REGION. TWO HOURS INTO THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT FURTHER STATED, HE REDUCED ENGINE POWER FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS--WITHOUT CARBURETOR HEAT. THE ENGINE THEN SPUTTERED AND STOPPED WHEN POWER WAS RE-APPLIED. AFTER TWO UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE THE PILOT WAS FORCED TO LAND IN A FIELD OF WHEAT STUBBLE THAT WAS COVERED WITH 3 INCHES OF MUDDY SNOW. THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER UPON TOUCHDOWN. A POST-ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED NO AIRFRAME OR POWERPLANT MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N89547](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N89547-1989-12-04), registration cancelled 1989-12-04, S/N 15282780 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15282780
- Airframe hours: 1319
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joe Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, July 18, 1986
- Departed: TRIBUNE, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 280 total, 280 in this make and model, 246 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GCK, 44 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 19870331007929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870331007929A), Mar 31, 1987: Cessna 152, Tribune, KS, Substantial damage. Reduced power without carburetor heat while searching for cattle. Engine quit. Landed in deep snow and nosed over.

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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