Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Westhampton Beach, NY — 2021-10-23

Final reportERA22LA029
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Date
2021-10-23
Location
Westhampton Beach, NY, USA
Airport
FOK
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N1188L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

During a cross-country flight, the engine lost all power when the airplane was at an altitude of 3,000 ft mean sea level; however, the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot diverted toward an airport located about 5 miles west of the airplane’s position. He also attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. During the glide to the diversion airport, the airplane impacted trees just before the intended landing runway and came to rest upright against the airport perimeter fence. Postaccident examination of the engine and its accessories revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, about 35 gallons of fuel were drained after the accident, and fuel remained throughout the fuel system. As a result, the cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence for this investigation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed at a closer airport after engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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