NTSB Factual Report

On April 30, 2002, at 0810 central daylight time, a Cessna 120, N6RP, piloted by a private pilot, was substantailly damaged when it struck a building while approaching to land on runway 32 (4,423 feet by 100 feet, asphalt), at the John H. Batten Airport (RAC), Racine, Wisconsin. The pilot reported that, while in the traffic pattern, the engine lost power. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operated in visual meteorological conditions, and was not on a flight plan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The local flight originated from the Sylvania Airport, Sturtevant, Wisconsin, at 0730.

In his written statement, the pilot said he took off at 0730 to, "...continue my break-in of my newly overhauled engine. This flight was the 7th hour since [major overhaul]." The pilot said that he decided to fly the airplane to RAC. He said that when he was 6.5 to 7 miles southwest of RAC he switched to the right fuel tank. He said the right fuel tank was "fullest". The pilot said that the the engine stopped developing power in the traffic pattern as he approached a position 45 degrees from his intended touchdown point. He said the power loss happened as he was making a power reduction. The pilot said that he verified the carburetor heat and magneto switch positions and he then attempted to restart the engine. The pilot stated that he had applied carburetor heat at, "...midpoint on downwind." The pilot said that he was in an area with, "...too many homes between [his] location and the [airport]." The airplane struck a building during the forced landing.

A postaccident examination of the airplane was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. Fuel was found in both wing fuel tanks. The fuel selector and fuel lines were examined and no blockage or other pre-impact anomalies were found. No fuel contamination was found. Engine valve train continuity was established by rotating the engine crankshaft. "Thumb" compression was exhibited on all cylinders. Spark was observed for the top spark plug leads during engine rotation. The magneto switch was checked with a multi-meter and no disrepencies were found. The carburetor was broken loose from the induction manifold. No other anomalies were found with respect to the carburetor. No anomalies were found with respect to the airframe, engine, or systems that could be identified as existing prior to impact.

The weather at RAC at 0753 was: Winds - 290 degrees magnetic at 11 knots; Visibility - 10 statute miles; Sky condition - clear; Temperature - 9 degrees Celsius; Dew Point - 1 degree Celsius; Altimeter setting - 29.91 inches of Mercury.

According to a carburetor icing probability chart, the temperature and dew point were in the range of serious icing at descent power or moderate icing at cruise power.

The Federal Aviation Administration and Teledyne Continental Motors were parties to the investigation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadequate weather evaluation and delayed application of carburetor heat by the pilot, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. The carburetor icing conditions and the low altitude were factors.