Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N — 2010-08-15

Final reportERA10LA426
Sign in to save
Date
2010-08-15
Location
USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N44WH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, during cruise flight the airplane's engine lost power and he was unable to restart it. He subsequently ditched the airplane in the Gulf of Mexico. He reported that the airplane had been refueled on the morning of the accident; however, documentation from the fixed base operator revealed that the most recent refueling of the airplane was the day prior. After ditching, the airplane sank and was not recovered.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land at BOW instead of continuing to EYW.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

Related mishaps