Cessna 152, N68218: Accident occurred February 28, 2022 in Madisonville, Monroe County, Tennessee

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

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

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Nashville, Tennessee

https://registry.faa.gov/N68218

Location: Madisonville, Tennessee

Accident Number: ERA22LA139

Date and Time: February 28, 2022, 17:30 Local 

Registration: N68218

Aircraft: Cessna 152 Injuries: 2 Minor

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On February 28, 2022, about 1730 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N68218, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Madisonville, Tennessee. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, after a normal preflight inspection he departed with 20 gallons of fuel for a local flight. After a 30-minute flight, about 5 miles from the airport, he initiated a descent from 3,000 ft, and slightly reduced engine power. About 10 seconds later, the engine rpm suddenly dropped to 900 to 1,000 rpm. He advanced the throttle and turned on the carburetor heat, with no effect on the engine. He performed a forced landing and touched down on a wet grassy field. During the rollout the main wheels locked up, the airplane hit a tree stump and came to a stop.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the site, the left wing was nearly separated at the wing root, and the firewall was bent.

The airplane was recovered for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna 

Registration: N68218

Model/Series: 152 Aircraft

Category: Airplane

Amateur Built:

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: TYS,980 ft msl 

Observation Time: 17:53 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 24 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 13°C /-10°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 25000 ft AGL

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,

Lowest Ceiling: 

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.14 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Madisonville, TN (MNV) 

Destination: Madisonville, TN

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: 35.549623,-84.343803 (est)