Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172A near Coolidge, AZ — 2008-10-23

Final reportWPR09LA021
Sign in to save
Date
2008-10-23
Location
Coolidge, AZ, USA
Airport
37AZ
Aircraft
CESSNA 172A
Registration
N7822T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection.

NTSB narrative

The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during initial climb at 300 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to restart the engine to no avail, reversed course, and descended into the ground short of the departure runway. The pilot held a Federal Aviation Administration airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate, and he owned and maintained the airplane. During the subsequent examination of the airplane, water was found in the fuel strainer and carburetor. Also, several maintenance-related discrepancies were observed, including frayed electrical cords in the cockpit, missing placards, a finger-tight fuel line, and hornets' nests in the empennage and the horizontal stabilizer.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality before flight to prevent water contamination.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps