Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near LaSalle, CO — 2021-09-10

Final reportCEN21LA414
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Date
2021-09-10
Location
LaSalle, CO, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N2099J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

** This report was modified on January 13, 2026. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report. ** The flight instructor and student pilot were conducting a simulated off-field emergency landing as part of a pre-solo cross-country progress check. The flight instructor told the student pilot to break off the maneuver and apply engine power, but the airplane’s engine did not respond when power was added. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and attempted to restart the engine with no success. He then declared an emergency and performed a 180° power-off turn to a field. During the touchdown, the airplane contacted a raised embankment, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine showed no preaccident failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. As a result, the cause of the total loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Instructor could have chosen not to simulate engine failure during flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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