Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was maneuvering the airplane over a marshy area about 700 feet above ground level. The airplane was in a left turn when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot continued the left turn and made a forced landing, during which the airplane struck a small tree, the nose landing gear separated, and the airplane rotated about 180 degrees. Postaccident examination of the engine assembly revealed no malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Review of the local weather conditions and the Federal Aviation Administration’s carburetor icing probability chart indicated that conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide, but not at cruise, power settings. It was not possible to determine what engine power settings the pilot used during the accident flight maneuvers.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 4, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Belhaven, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172D
- N-number
- N2344U
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.