# NTSB BFO88LA035: Cessna 172, N4255F, Elkton, MD, April 28, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 28, 1988, 10:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Elkton, MD
- Coordinates: 39.600288, -75.820449 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6003&lon=-75.8204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11404
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO88LA035
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11404/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88LA035

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLT AT AN ALT OF 1500 FT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED PRODUCING POWER.  THE ACFT WAS LANDED ON RAILROAD TRACKS IN ORDER TO AVOID TREES.  THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING.  PLT STATED THAT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK GAUGE INDICATED 1/4 TANK AND THE LEFT GAUGE INDICATED A FULL TANK OF FUEL WHEN THE POWER LOSS OCCURRED. HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE.  POST ACCIDENT TEST RUN OF THE ENGINE FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION.  THE PLT FAILED TO FILE AN ACC REPORT AND THERE IS NO RECORD INFO ON THE PLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4255F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4255F-2013-07-30), registration cancelled 2013-07-30, S/N 46155, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 46155
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John M. Gray
- Registered owner: Rowe, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 25, 1988
- Destination: 2N0

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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