Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power due to the undetected loosening of the four carburetor bolts that connect the throttle body to the bowl assembly.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while maneuvering the airplane at 3,000 ft mean sea level, the engine lost partial power and began running roughly. After unsuccessfully attempting to regain normal engine power, the pilot executed a forced landing into a field, during which the airplane nosed over.
Postaccident examination of the carburetor revealed a gap between the throttle body and bowl assembly, and all four bolts connecting the throttle body to the bowl assembly were found loose. Both the engine and carburetor manufacturers had previously issued service bulletins (SB) regarding possible leakage between the bowl assembly and throttle body, likely due to loose bowl to throttle body screws. The SBs recommended inspecting the carburetor screws every 100 hours of engine operation. The last 100-hour inspection of the engine occurred 89 hours before the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA414 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 16, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nutwood, Illinois
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172P
- N-number
- N65191
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1982
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.