Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172M near Cusick, WA — 2012-02-09

Final reportWPR12LA099
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Date
2012-02-09
Location
Cusick, WA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172M
Registration
N5100R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after takeoff, the engine began to run roughly and lose power. He applied carburetor heat, which did not restore power. The pilot's further troubleshooting attempts were unsuccessful, and he initiated a forced landing. The engine subsequently lost power, and, during the landing to a nearby field, the airplane struck several trees. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed about 8 gallons of fuel were remaining in the right tank. The left fuel tank was breached during the impact, and it was found empty due to the breach. Further examination of the airplane and a subsequent engine run revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure to prevent fuel exhaustion.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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