Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172R near Llano, TX — 2014-04-25

Final reportCEN14LA217
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Date
2014-04-25
Location
Llano, TX, USA
Airport
AQO
Aircraft
CESSNA 172R
Registration
N9373F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, before departure, the airplane contained about 24 to 26 gallons of fuel, and a pretakeoff engine run-up detected no anomalies. Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was about 100 to 200 ft above ground level, the engine sputtered and experienced a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to land on the runway, but the airplane touched down in the overrun area, bounced, and landed hard. The airplane was examined a couple of days after the accident, and no fuel was found in the airplane; however, damage to the airplane likely resulted in fuel seeping from the tanks and into the ground before the examination. A subsequent engine run and examination did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured fuel integrity before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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