Pilot Debrief

Cessna 120 near Hudson, CO — 2018-10-13

Final reportCEN19LA006
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Date
2018-10-13
Location
Hudson, CO, USA
Airport
18V
Aircraft
Cessna 120
Registration
N1881N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Go-around

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was attempting to land with quartering tailwind. He stated that he noticed a strong crosswind and decided to go around. During the go-around, the pilot added engine power; however, the engine did not develop full power. The engine began to sputter and surge as the airplane continued to climb but did not regain power, so the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage. A postaccident engine test run was performed. The engine started without hesitation, but damage to the engine and propeller prevented testing the maximum power setting. Although the engine operation during the go-around is similar to that which would be experienced if carburetor ice had accumulated during the approach, the weather conditions at the time were just outside those at which ice would accumulate. Therefore, the reason for the partial loss of engine could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the landing earlier due to strong crosswind.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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