# NTSB CEN22LA156: Cessna 172N, N733KP, Springtown, TX, March 24, 2022 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: March 24, 2022, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC) - Place: Springtown, TX - Coordinates: 33.011205, -97.694439 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0112&lon=-97.6944&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Unknown: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 104840 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN22LA156 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/104840/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=104840 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA156 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 24 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Unknown: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 1,703 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md) - [Enroute: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 28 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 44 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The flight instructor and student pilot were conducting an instructional flight. The instructor stated that, about 7 minutes after departure and while the airplane was in level flight at 3,500 ft mean sea level, the engine sputtered and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The instructor assumed control of the airplane from the student pilot at that time. She performed several troubleshooting steps; however, engine power was not restored. During the descent, the propeller windmilled and, according to the instructor, “the engine would catch” randomly and “operate for a few moments,” but the engine would lose power each time. The instructor also stated that, during a discussion with the student pilot, he indicated that, when he pulled the throttle to idle, the engine “would smooth out somewhat, but would start missing” when the throttle was pushed forward. The instructor executed a forced landing to a field, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to the development of carburetor icing. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that there was uncontaminated fuel available in the engine and that there was no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. As a result, the reason for the total loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On March 24, 2022, about 1730 central daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N733KP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Springtown, Texas. The flight instructor was not injured, and the student pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. Airport fuel transaction records showed that, at 1657:45, the flight instructor purchased 7.5 gallons of 100 low-lead fuel from the self-serve fuel pump at Bridgeport Municipal Airport (XBP), Bridgeport, Texas. The flight instructor stated that the fuel tanks were already “pretty full” when she added the fuel. About 7 minutes after the flight departed XBP to the south and while the airplane was in cruise flight at an altitude of about 3,500 ft mean sea level, the engine sputtered and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane from the student pilot at that time. She performed several troubleshooting steps, but engine power was not restored. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data showed that that airplane made a right descending turn and then continued to descend on a straight path. The flight instructor stated that, during the descent, the propeller windmilled and “randomly the engine would catch and operate for a few moments before dying again, so this wasn't something that could be remedied in the air.” During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The instructor added that the fuel selector valve was positioned to BOTH and that she did not manipulate the fuel selector during the event. Also, the instructor stated that she did not remember the rpm on the tachometer during the event and that she did not apply carburetor heat while troubleshooting the loss of power. The student pilot stated that during the event, when they would pull the throttle to idle, the engine “would smooth out somewhat, but would start missing” when the throttle was pushed forward. During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted in a field, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings. Fuel was leaking from the wings after the accident. The XBP airport manager reported that the fuel source was checked for contaminants and that none were found. Also, two other airplanes were fueled from the same source about the same time, and the pilot of those airplanes did not report any issues with the fuel. The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to the development of carburetor icing. A postaccident examination revealed uncontaminated blue fuel inside the carburetor and fuel strainer bowl. The propeller was manually rotated to confirm engine continuity. The propeller rotated with no binding or abnormalities noted with the engine. All pistons moved through each respective cylinder, and all rocker arms moved normally. Suction andcompression were both obtained from each cylinder during the engine rotation. Each of the top ignition wires produced a spark during engine rotation. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N733KP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N733KP-2024-02-24), registration cancelled 2024-02-24, S/N 17268354, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N - Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17268354 - Year built: 1976 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Miloud Chadd K - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Departed: XBP, Bridgeport, TX - Destination: FTW, Forth Worth, TX - Equipment: ADS-B, Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 28; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 19, 2021; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 315 total, 315 in this make and model, 11 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days - Student pilot; age 18; injuries: minor; student; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 20.7 total, 20.7 in this make and model, 20.7 as pilot in command, 4.2 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 23 °F - Altimeter: 29.97 inHg - Observed at: KXBP, 12 nm away - METAR: KXBP 242230Z AUTO 32008KT 10SM CLR 19/M05 A2997 RMK AO2 T01911055 ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20220324003299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220324003299A), Mar 24, 2022: Cessna 172N, Springtown, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft being operated by CFI and student pilot on part 61 training flight. Departed ftw approx 1540 and flew differenty manuevers in route to bridgeport xbp.… ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 15, 2023, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=104840. 125 MB in all. - NTSB investigation summary (item 1, PDF, 13 pages, 3.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13828275&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigation%20Summary%20CEN22LA156-Rel.pdf - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (CFI) (item 2, PDF, 11 pages, 5.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13827199&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120%20-%20CFI_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (student) (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 43.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13827988&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120%20-%20student_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Fuel testing information (item 4, PDF, 9 pages, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13827572&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=BRIDGEPORT%20XBP%20Fuel%20testing_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Maintenance records (item 5, PDF, 3 pages, 63.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13827671&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Maintenance%20records_Redacted-Rel.pdf - FAA ADS-B data (item 6, XLSX, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13828716&FileExtension=xlsx&FileName=FAA%20ADS-B%20data-Rel.xlsx - Photos (item 7, PDF, 7 pages, 7 photos, 3.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=13854710&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photos-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 8, PDF, 1 page, 947 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14349893&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20Wreckage%20Release%20-%20N733KP%20-%20Signed_Redacted-Rel.pdf 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.