CESSNA 150G

Cooperstown, NY — April 7, 2010

Event Information

DateApril 7, 2010
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberERA10CA220
Event ID20100408X80000
LocationCooperstown, NY
CountryUSA
Coordinates42.62583, -74.89056
AirportCooperstown-Westville Airport
Highest InjuryMINR

Aircraft

MakeCESSNA
Model150G
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
None0
Total Injured2

Event Location

Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power during a simulated engine-out demonstration due to carburetor icing.

Full Narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated that after takeoff he flew to another airport and demonstrated to the student a simulated loss of engine power by reducing power then applying carburetor heat. He began a right descending turn and reported clearing the engine (verifying full engine power was available) at least one time during the descent but added that he should not have left the engine at a low idle condition for more than 1 minute. He approached runway 02 and lowered 10 degrees of flaps while on a short base. The approach appeared normal to slightly high, and on short final (about 100 feet above touchdown zone elevation), the flight encountered a very strong and turbulent gust/rotor that necessitated immediate full power. He applied power and later reported the engine hesitated or stumbled. He removed carburetor heat, and pushed forward on the throttle and mixture controls, and also pumped the throttle in an effort to restore engine power which was unsuccessful. He maneuvered the airplane to a clear space and landed in a wooded area. Inspection of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector following recovery of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction. A surface observation weather report approximately 17 minutes before the accident, indicated the temperature and dew point were 18 and 13 degrees Celsius respectively, (64 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit),. According to a FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) CE-09-35, dated June 30, 2009, the temperature and dew point were favorable for serious icing at glide power.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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