Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power, which was likely the result of carburetor icing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot was maneuvering the airplane at an altitude of about 1,300 feet above ground level when the engine started to sputter. He configured the airplane for a forced landing in an alfalfa field. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered a water-filled ditch and nosed over, coming to rest inverted and sustaining damage to the tail section. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. In ambient conditions similar to those reported near the accident site, a pilot could expect serious carburetor icing while operating at various power settings.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA228 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 23, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tulare, California
- Nearest airport
- Mefford Field Airport (TLR)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150L
- N-number
- N11428
- 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.