Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172SP near Boynton Beach, FL — 2010-10-10

Final reportERA11LA015
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Date
2010-10-10
Location
Boynton Beach, FL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172SP
Registration
N423FT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight, the pilot noticed the engine was running rough and it subsequently lost power. The pilot performed an emergency landing next to a road, during which the airplane impacted a sign and nosed over into a canal. Examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preimpact abnormalities that could account for the loss of engine power, and adequate fuel was drained from the airplane. While the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power at the time of the accident, the investigation was unable to determine if carburetor ice caused the power loss.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel mixture before engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents13

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