Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172B near Middleton, WI — 2011-07-23

Final reportCEN11LA522
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Date
2011-07-23
Location
Middleton, WI, USA
Airport
C29
Aircraft
CESSNA 172B
Registration
N7624X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during climb after takeoff 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 stated that the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power while climbing through about 300 feet above ground level after takeoff. The pilot performed a forced landing to an area off the departure end of the runway where the airplane impacted the ground and struck several objects. During postaccident interviews, the pilot said that he shut off the fuel selector valves before exiting the airplane. The engine operated during a postaccident test run when the emergency fuel shutoff valve was in the on position and the fuel selector valve was set to the right fuel tank.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel system before takeoff to ensure proper operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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