Loss of Engine Power (Partial): Cessna 120, N1881N; accident occurred October 13, 2018 in Hudson, Weld County, Colorado

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N1881N

Location: Hudson, CO
Accident Number: CEN19LA006
Date & Time: 10/13/2018, 1530 MDT
Registration: N1881N
Aircraft: Cessna 120
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (partial)
Injuries: 2 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

On October 13, 2018, about 1500 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 120 airplane, N1881N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Lupton, Colorado. The pilot and passenger both sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated by a private individual as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to a statement provided by the pilot, while attempting to land on runway 33 at Platte Valley Airpark (18V), Hudson, Colorado, the pilot noticed a strong crosswind and decided to go around. During the go-around, the pilot added engine power the engine did not develop full power. The engine began to sputter and surge as the airplane continued to climb. The engine did not regain power, so the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. The airplane settled into a cornfield and nosed over.

The airplane was transported to a salvage facility and the engine set up for a functional test run. The engine started without hesitation and ran at idle power without incident. Damage to the engine and propeller prevented testing the maximum power setting.

A review of carburetor icing probability chart found that the airplane was not operating in an area with the potential for icing at a takeoff power setting. During recovery of the airplane about 7 gallons of fuel was recovered from both tanks. The reason for a loss of engine power could not be determined.

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 49, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 12/15/2017
Occupational Pilot:No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: (Estimated) 610.1 hours (Total, all aircraft), 51 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N1881N
Model/Series: 120 No Series
Aircraft Category:Airplane
Year of Manufacture:1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate:Normal
Serial Number: 12125
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1451 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT:
Engine Model/Series: C85 SERIES
Registered Owner: Brodie Leon J
Rated Power: 85 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KDEN, 5414 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 17 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1453 MDT
Direction from Accident Site: 173°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 9000 ft agl
Visibility: 10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 13 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual:
Wind Direction: 110°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual:
Altimeter Setting: 29.72 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 17°C / -3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Brighton, CO (CO12)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Hudson, CO (18V)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace:

Airport Information

Airport: PLATTE VALLEY AIRPARK (18V)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 4965 ft
Runway Surface Condition:
Runway Used: 33
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4100 ft / 40 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Go Around

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 Minor
Latitude, Longitude: 40.110833, -104.700833 (est)