NYC04LA045

Factual narrative

On December 8, 2003, about 1755 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N94820, was substantially damaged during a collision with trees, following a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight near Butler, Pennsylvania. The certificated student pilot was seriously injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed Erie International Airport (ERI), Erie, Pennsylvania; destined for Rostraver Airport (FWQ), Monongahela, Pennsylvania. No flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot was completing his long cross-country flight requirement for a private pilot certificate. The flight was planned to originate from Monongahela, Pennsylvania; with stops in Medina, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania, before returning to Monongahela. The student pilot reported that during the final leg of the flight, at 3,000 feet msl, the engine began to sputter. The student pilot began to complete the emergency checklist items, but the engine experienced a total loss of power. However, after completing the emergency checklist items, which included the application of carburetor heat, the student pilot was able to restart the engine. The engine then ran "strong" for approximately 15-20 seconds, but lost all power a second time, shortly after the student pilot turned the carburetor heat off. The student pilot again was able to restart the engine using emergency procedures, which included turning the carburetor heat back on. The engine restarted and ran at a slower rpm for approximately 1 minute, before losing total power for a third time. The student pilot attempted a forced landing to a snow-covered field. During the landing, the airplane struck trees and descended into the ground at an approximate 45-degree angle. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the fuel tanks did not appear compromised, and there were no fuel stains in the snow. The left fuel tank did not contain any fuel, and some residual fuel remained in the right tank. The inspector also examined the airplane engine. One propeller blade remained undamaged and the other blade was bent aft. When the propeller was rotated by hand, camshaft, crankshaft, and valve train continuity was confirmed. The spark plug electrodes were intact and absent of debris. The student pilot's flight instructor reported the that left wing struck trees, and there was a possibility that the left fuel tank was compromised. According to aircraft and fueling records, the student pilot "topped off" the fuel tanks prior to departing Monongahela, and did not refuel. The airplane had flown 3.3 hours according to the Hobbs meter, when the engine lost all power. Review of a Cessna 152 Pilot's Operating Handbook revealed that at 65 percent power, the airplane's endurance was approximately 3.9 hours. The reported weather, at an airport approximately 7 miles south of the accident site, included a temperature of 29 degrees F, and a dew point of 25 degrees F. According to the FAA publication CT-82/44: Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, the airplane engine was susceptible to icing at glide and cruise power in the reported weather conditions. During cruise flight at 3,000 feet msl, the engine began to sputter, and lost all power. The student pilot completed the emergency checklist items, which included the application of carburetor heat. Subsequently, the student pilot was able to restart the engine. The engine then ran for approximately 15-20 seconds, but lost all power a second time; shortly after the student pilot had turned the carburetor heat off. The student pilot again was able to restart the engine using emergency procedures, which included turning the carburetor heat back on. The engine restarted and ran at a slower rpm for approximately 1 minute, before losing total power for a third time. The student pilot then performed a forced landing into trees. Review of the aircraft and fueling records revealed that the airplane had flown 3.3 hours since being completely fueled. Review of a make and model Pilot's Operating Handbook revealed that at 65 percent power, the airplane's endurance was approximately 3.9 hours. Review of the FAA Carburetor Icing Probability Chart revealed that the airplane engine was susceptible to icing at glide and cruise power in the reported weather conditions. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12