# NTSB NYC90LA017: Cessna T172N, N6309F, Townsend, MA, October 25, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 25, 1989, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Townsend, MA
- Location: 42.6767° N, 71.7098° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Townsend, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6767&lon=-71.7098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36574
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36574/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA017

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT DURING WEATHER CONDITIONS FAVORABLE TO CARBURETOR ICING. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE CESSNA 172 WAS CRUISING AT 3200 FEET WHEN IT LOST POWER DUE TO CARBURETOR ICING. THE STUDENT PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A WOODED AREA TO AVOID POWER LINES & PERSONNEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6309F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6309F-1992-11-17), registration cancelled 1992-11-17, S/N 17273187 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA T172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172-73187
- Airframe hours: 2200
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Fitchburg Colonial Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, October 11, 1989, 33 hours before
- Departed: FIT, FITCHBURG, MA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 102 total, 60 in this make and model, 12 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: M&T, 15 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 19891025042829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891025042829A), Oct 25, 1989: Cessna 172N, Townsend, MA, Substantial damage. Engine quit. Forced landing in trees. No defects found. Conditions good for 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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