CESSNA 172 near Cerro Azul — 2010-08-25

Probable cause

Investigated by a foreign authority; NTSB does not determine probable cause.

NTSB narrative

On August 25, 2010, about 1229 universal coordinated time, a Cessna 172, Ecuadorian registration HC-AQK, registered to and operated by AIFA as a personal flight, crashed following a loss of engine power. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and rear seated passenger were seriously injured, and the right seated passenger was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. According to information obtained from the Ecuadorian Accidentes de Aviacion Civil, the flight departed under visual flight rules. Shortly thereafter, the pilot reported that he had an unspecified engine problem. The pilot contacted air traffic control and reported his position before going down. In an interview by rescuers, the pilot stated that the engine rpm dropped from 2,300 to 2,000 rpm, and the airplane descended into the trees. This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Ecuador. Any further information can be obtained from: Sr. Jaime Salazar G La investigación se encuentra a cargo de la Junta Investigadora de Accidentes de la República del Ecuador Phone: 593-2-223-8981 Fax; 593-2- 249-3755 This report is for informational purposes only and contains information released by the Government of Ecuador.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Engine power loss

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have returned to the departure airport after engine problem reported.

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Memorandum for record Ecuadorother