Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172E near Suisun City, CA — 2010-11-27

Final reportWPR11LA062
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Date
2010-11-27
Location
Suisun City, CA, USA
Airport
CCR
Aircraft
CESSNA 172E
Registration
N5582T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was about 11 miles northeast of the airport on the approach to the runway when the engine suddenly stopped developing power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine multiple times but was unsuccessful, and he initiated a forced landing to a nearby field. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the wing fuel tanks were not breached and showed little damage. During the recovery, it was noted that both wing tank fuel caps were loose from their respective fuel tank filler necks and hanging by their chains. No fuel was found within the tanks, nor was there a fuel smell around the immediate area. Fuel was noted in and drained from the fuel lines, a condition that in a carbureted engine would be inconsistent with a fuel exhaustion event. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. Serious carburetor icing at cruise power was probable during the timeframe of the accident; however, it is unclear if that contributed to the loss of power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel caps before departure to ensure proper fuel containment.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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