Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 175 near Pine Bluff, AR — 2016-06-08

Final reportCEN16FA210
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Date
2016-06-08
Location
Pine Bluff, AR, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 175
Registration
N6649E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because a test run of the engine did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Contributing to the accident were the tree stumps at the forced landing site.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident were the tree stumps at the forced landing site.

NTSB narrative

The passenger reported that, about 15 minutes after takeoff on the cross-country flight, the engine began "stalling in and out." Although the pilot attempted to troubleshoot the issue, he could not remedy it, and selected a dirt road as a forced landing site. The passenger stated that the airplane was too fast and too high to land, and the pilot circled the airplane for a second approach. About 150 feet above the ground, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The airplane touched down in an area of tree stumps and immediately nosed over. Toxicology testing of the pilot revealed the presence of diphenhydramine; however, the level detected was too low to quantify and was unlikely to be impairing. No shoulder harnesses were installed, and their installation was not required. Advisory Circular 91-65, in part, stated, "The [National Transportation Safety Board] concluded that shoulder harness use is the most effective way of reducing fatalities and serious injuries in general aviation accidents." Although the spark plugs displayed significant wear, a test run of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. A carburetor icing probability chart showed the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to serious icing at glide power; however, the airplane should not have been susceptible to carburetor icing at the cruise power setting at which it was operating. The investigation could not determine a reason for the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted to an alternate airport after engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 17 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents17

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