Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Miami Beach, FL — 2015-10-11

Final reportERA16LA009
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Date
2015-10-11
Location
Miami Beach, FL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N733VB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered from the ocean after the ditching.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, while en route at an altitude of about 3,500 ft mean sea level about 20 miles off the coast of Florida over the Atlantic Ocean, the airplane experienced a “partial loss of power followed by a complete engine failure.” He was unable to restore power and decided to glide as close to the coastline as possible. He ditched the airplane about 11 miles from the shore. The airplane was not recovered, which precluded a postaccident examination. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure to ensure adequate fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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