Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172F near Corona, CA — 2009-12-17

Final reportWPR10LA087
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Date
2009-12-17
Location
Corona, CA, USA
Airport
AJO
Aircraft
CESSNA 172F
Registration
N8520U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after he was established on the downwind leg for landing the engine experienced a partial loss of power, followed by a total power loss after turning into the base leg. The pilot subsequently made an emergency descent and forced landing to an open field. The airplane hit a fence and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to both wings. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that an examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to the formation of carburetor ice. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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