Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172P near Santa Fe, NM — 2010-08-01

Final reportCEN10LA449
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Date
2010-08-01
Location
Santa Fe, NM, USA
Airport
SAF
Aircraft
CESSNA 172P
Registration
N52708
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power following a loss of oil pressure for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had just departed the airport when the engine completely lost oil pressure. Shortly afterward, the engine seized. The pilot performed a forced landing on a nearby mesa. During the descent, smoke was present both inside and outside the cockpit, with the majority of the smoke outside. During landing, the airplane impacted a short rock wall. When the pilot and passenger exited the airplane, smoke and flames were coming from the engine compartment. Most of the airplane was consumed during the ensuing fire. The airplane had experienced an oil leak; the oil cooler had been replaced the day before the accident. A postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal the source of an oil leak.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine instruments before departure to ensure safety.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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