Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172 near Fulton, MO — 2017-06-24

Final reportCEN17LA241
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Date
2017-06-24
Location
Fulton, MO, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172
Registration
N6474B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to water contamination in the fuel system.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot and two passengers were conducting a local sightseeing flight when the engine "sputtered ever so slightly" and then regained power. Three to 5 seconds later, engine power dropped to about 700 rpm. The pilot checked the engine controls in an attempt to regain engine power; when power was not restored, he initiated a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane landed about 3/4 down the length of a field and impacted adjacent trees. During an initial examination, about 1 ounce of water was found in the gascolator. Continuity was established from the cockpit engine controls to the respective engine components. Fuel was found in the carburetor bowl and in the wing fuel tanks. A follow-up engine examination and functional test run did not produce any anomalies that would have prevented normal operation and production of rated horsepower. It is likely the water contamination found in the gascolator resulted in the partial loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel quality more thoroughly before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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