Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Pahrump, NV — 2010-01-30

Final reportWPR10LA123
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Date
2010-01-30
Location
Pahrump, NV, USA
Airport
VGT
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N8959B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

Fuel starvation as a result of the improper installation of the carburetor float valve by unknown personnel.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that about 10-15 minutes after departure he heard three loud "pops" and the engine rpm dropped to about 1200. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by adjusting the fuel selector, mixture, and throttle, but was unsuccessful. The pilot initiated a forced landing to desert terrain. As the airplane touched down, the nose landing gear sunk into the ground and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. A postaccident examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the carburetor float valve was improperly installed, which restricted fuel flow to the engine. According to a Continental Motors representative, the carburetor overhaul requirements were the same as specified for the engine; 10 to 12 years since placed in service or last overhauled, whichever comes first. A review of the aircraft logbooks revealed no entries pertaining to the maintenance or overhaul of the carburetor.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Proper maintenance of the carburetor could have prevented the engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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