Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Yankeetown, FL — 2017-04-20

Final reportERA17LA160
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Date
2017-04-20
Location
Yankeetown, FL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N6013E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that the engine run-up and takeoff were normal for the personal flight. About 15 minutes after takeoff, while in cruise flight, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and the pilot subsequently declared an emergency. He attempted to restart the engine four times before ditching the airplane in water. The pilot and passenger then egressed without injury. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although water was noted in the carburetor and fuel strainer, it could not be determined if the water entered the fuel system before the accident or when the airplane became submerged in water. Although weather conditions were conducive to the accumulation of serious icing at glide power, the investigation could not conclusively determine whether carburetor ice played a role in the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for water in fuel before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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