# NTSB NYC91LA242: Cessna 180L, N4110, Vestal, NY, September 21, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 21, 1991, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Vestal, NY
- Coordinates: 42.079891, -76.049774 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0799&lon=-76.0498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37016
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA242
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37016/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA242

## Probable cause

IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN A POWER LOSS DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE OVER UNSUITABLE 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 - normal
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CRUISING AT 3500 FEET WHEN HE EXPERIENCED A POWER LOSS. DURING A FORCED LANDING, HE STRUCK A DITCH AND THE AIRPLANE FLIPPED OVER. THE ENGINE WAS RUN SATISFACTORILY AFTER THE ACCIDENT.  EXAMINATION OF A CARBURETOR ICING PROBABILITY CHART REVEALED THE PILOT WAS OPERATING IN CONDITIONS OF MODERATE ICING PROBABILITY WITH CRUISE POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4110](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4110-2009-12-15), registration cancelled 2009-12-15, S/N 50667, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180L
- Registry model: [Cessna 180C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180c) (registry code 2072608) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 50667
- Airframe hours: 2143
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph W. Talhot
- Registered owner: Jobar Ltd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 17, 1991, 6 hours before
- Departed: N30, HONESDALE, PA
- Destination: N17, ENDICOTT, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 170 total, 35 in this make and model, 113 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 55 statute miles
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BGM, 11 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 19910921045309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910921045309A), Sep 21, 1991: Cessna 180C, Vestal, NY, Substantial damage. Engine backfired,lost partial power,struck ditch and overturned in a field landing. Carb icing conditions favorable

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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