Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 120 near Annapolis, MD — 2010-03-25

Final reportERA10LA189
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Date
2010-03-25
Location
Annapolis, MD, USA
Airport
ANP
Aircraft
CESSNA 120
Registration
N72560
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to ferry the airplane to a location where it would undergo an annual inspection. The airplane had not been flown for several months and during the preflight inspection the pilot drained the fuel bowl observing no water. Following the engine start, the pilot performed a normal engine run-up and magneto check. During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost power and the pilot ditched the airplane in nearby river. After being submerged in the river for several days, the airplane was recovered and an examination was performed with no mechanical anomalies found.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Conducting a thorough preflight inspection and ensuring fuel quality.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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