Pilot Debrief

Cessna 150 near Shreveport, LA — 2019-11-24

Final reportCEN20LA046
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Date
2019-11-24
Location
Shreveport, LA, USA
Airport
DTN
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Registration
N22931
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

While performing touch and go landings the airplane’s engine lost power while in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that the engine “bumped” twice, and the propeller stopped. The instructor verified carburetor heat and engine controls and attempted to restart the engine. Engine power could not be restored, and a forced landing was performed to a nearby river. Substantial damage was sustained to the wing spar. A postaccident examination of the engine by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors did not find any mechanical anomalies. They found 2 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 1 gallon in the right tank. However, the pilot reported that the fuel tanks were full prior to takeoff. Using the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart located in the FAA’s Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention found that the airplane was operating in an area conducive for serious icing at cruise power, but the pilots reported the use of carburetor heat.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Use carburetor heat earlier to prevent engine power loss due to icing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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