IL CAP Aircraft Incident Ends Safely, Expertly

On Saturday June 4, 2005, Illinois Wing pilots Major Chuck Hoepe and Lt. Col. Oggie Oetken were flying Cessna N65747 (a 1982 Cessna 172P Skyhawk) when they experienced an in-flight engine failure.

The aircraft PIC, Major Hoepe, made a successful deadstick landing at the former Leland Airport near Sandwich, IL. The crew were unharmed and the aircraft was undamaged. According to Major Hoepe, a mechanic identified the aircraft's carburetor as the problem. Major Hoepe said, "When we got out we noticed fuel leaking along the back of the cowl. We had shut off the fuel and remained away from the aircraft for about 15 minutes until it cooled down."

Until repairs are made, the aircraft is tied down and secured at the field. Once the carburetor problem is fixed, Major Hoepe said the aircraft can be flown out of the field.

Illinois Wing Commander, Colonel Maurice Givens, wanted to emphasize that Major Hoepe and Lt. Col. Oetken did a "commendable" job in handling in-flight emergency.

Major Hoepe hopes that the incident will serve as a learning experience for all wing pilots. He stated, "If pilots practice emergency procedures enough, their reactions become reflexive and will result in a safe outcome." [ANN Salutes Col. Joseph King, CAP
Public Affairs Officer, Illinois Wing, for the report]

FMI: www.cap.gov