Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Daytona Beach, FL — 2012-04-09

Final reportERA12LA274
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Date
2012-04-09
Location
Daytona Beach, FL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N375LP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to a catastrophic engine failure, the origin of which could not be determined during postaccident examination.

NTSB narrative

Upon reaching a cruise altitude of 3,000 feet, the engine began to run rough and make loud noises. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane, and the engine subsequently lost all power. Oil was present on the windscreen. The instructor performed a forced landing in a nearby field where the nose gear contacted a ditch, resulting in a nose over and substantial damage to the airframe. Initial examination of the engine revealed a hole on the lower case and the camshaft partially protruding from the upper case. Suspecting a failure of the No. 4 piston, it and cylinder were subsequently examined; all fracture surfaces showed signs of overstress; however, there was no indication of preexisting mechanical damage that would have led to progressive failure, including fatigue. No corrosion or chemical degradation was found on the piston fracture surfaces. Accordingly, the initiating event that led to the catastrophic failure of the engine could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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