Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Ironton, OH — 2011-05-28

Final reportCEN11LA388
Sign in to save
Date
2011-05-28
Location
Ironton, OH, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N5663R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot said that the airplane experienced a gradual loss of engine power during cruise flight followed by a total loss of engine power and a loss of electrical power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. According to carburetor icing charts, a probability of serious icing at glide power existed based upon the temperature and dew point at the time of the accident; however, the airplane was operating at a higher power setting, for which the probability of carburetor icing was minimal.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine condition before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

Related mishaps