# NTSB ERA12LA033: Cessna R172K, N758GY, Williamsburg, VA, October 17, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 17, 2011, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC) - Place: Williamsburg, VA - Coordinates: 37.339168, -76.756385 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3392&lon=-76.7564&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-descent: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 31, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Continental Motors Inc. - NTSB case key (mKey): 82091 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12LA033 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/82091/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82091 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA033 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. ## 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 R172K, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=2072431), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-descent: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna R172K, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=2072431), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna R172K, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2072431), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna R172K, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072431), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot and his passenger were on their way back from 1-hour personal flight. According to the pilot, as the airplane was descending through 1,500 feet into the traffic pattern, the engine lost power, but the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open field, but during the landing the left wing collided with the corner of the parking garage before it came to rest in a parking lot. Postaccident examination of the airplane’s fuel system did not reveal any discrepancy that would have precluded normal engine operation. An estimated 20 gallons of fuel was recovered, which was equally distributed between the airplane’s left and right wing fuel tanks. The engine was test run and it operated satisfactorily. The examination of the mechanical components of the airplane and engine did not reveal any discrepancies that would account for the sudden loss of engine power. Cylinder head and exhaust gas temperatures data retrieved for the airplane’s onboard engine data monitoring unit was consistent with a sudden stop of fuel or ignition supply to the engine at the time of loss of power. The reason for the sudden stop of fuel or ignition supply could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On October 17, 2011, at 1100, eastern daylight time, a Cessna R172K, N758GY, registered to and operated by an individual, incurred substantial damage during a force landing following a total loss of engine power in Williamsburg, Virginia. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, personal flight. The flight originated from Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport (JGG), Williamsburg, Virginia, about 1000. The pilot stated that he and his passenger departed JGG for a short sightseeing flight up the coast of the Chesapeake Bay area. On the return back to JGG, while slowly descending through 1,500 feet to pattern altitude, 3 to 4 miles from the airport, the engine lost power; however, the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot was not able to restart the engine and elected to make emergency landing to his right in an open field. He noted high trees on the southwestern side and a parking garage with an adjacent empty parking lot on the other side. He maneuvered the airplane in a right 180-degrees turn, cleared the trees, and descended with full flaps. He touched down in the center of the field, applied brakes, and aimed for the parking lot. The left wing hit the corner of the parking garage and then the nose wheel collapsed after making contact with a curb. The airplane spun and the tail section hit a lamppost before coming to a stop. He and the passenger were able to exit the plane unassisted. The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector stated that the propeller was observed in low pitch with both propeller blades tip damaged; one blade with damage to the leading edge and the other bent aft. The leading edge of the right wing was observed with spar damage and the left wing was damage at the trailing edge aileron section. The empennage section was bent 90 degrees to the right and down aft of the baggage door. The ignition switch was observed in the off position, the master switch in off position, and all engine controls levers in the full forward position. The auxiliary fuel pump switch was in the off position and the fuel selector in the “Both” position. Flap selector was in the up position with the indicator showing 30 degrees down; actual flap position was estimated at 10 degrees. The elevator trim indicated slightly up and rudder trim indicated slight nose right. Fuel was located at the fuel strainer and estimated 20 gallons of fuel was drained from the aircraft. The airplane’s fuel vent system was checked and no defects noted. A post recovery examination of the engine was conducted by FAA representatives. Engine controls were operated with no defects noted. The left magneto was removed and engine crankshaft continuity was established. A thumb cylinder compression test was performed with no defects noted. All fuel lines were visually inspected with no defects noted. Fuel was observed at the fuel injectiondistributor and the mechanical fuel pump. The mechanical fuel pump operated properly when checked. With FAA oversight the engine was ran at the manufacturer’s facility. The engine run did not indicate any abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation and production of rated power. Data retrieved for the onboard airplane’s engine data monitoring unit recorded the engine cylinder head and exhaust gas temperatures for all six cylinders. At the time of the loss of power the temperature drop for all six cylinders was consistent with a sudden stop of combustion. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N758GY](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N758GY-2012-08-29), registration cancelled 2012-08-29, S/N R1723096, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA R172K - Registry model: [Cessna R172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-r172k) (registry code 2072431) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-360-series) (registry code 17025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: R1723096 - Airframe hours: 2218 - Engines: CONT MOTOR IO-360 SER 200 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 21, 2011, 26 hours before - Departed: JGG, Williamsburg, VA - Destination: JGG, Williamsburg, VA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 81; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review November 25, 2009; seat: left; flight hours: 2,565 total, 1,765 in this make and model, 2,404 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 29.87 inHg ## 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 20111017022969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111017022969A), Oct 17, 2011: Cessna R172K, Williamsburg, VA, Destroyed. Aircraft was approximately 2.8 miles from Williamsburg (jgg) airport in a descent intending landing at jgg. The pilot reports the engine losing power. He… ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 27, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82091. 7.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 740 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40382308&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Reports from Federal Agencies (FAA Statememt) (item 2, .PDF, 92 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40374340&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Reports%20from%20Federal%20Agencies%20(FAA%20Statememt)-Master.PDF - Reports from Federal Agencies (FAA Inspector's Statement) (item 3, .PDF, 149 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40374355&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Reports%20from%20Federal%20Agencies%20(FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement)-Redacted.PDF - Other Pertinent Forms and Reports (Engine Run Report) (item 4, .PDF, 204 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40374339&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Other%20Pertinent%20Forms%20and%20Reports%20(Engine%20Run%20%20Report)-Redacted.PDF - Miscellaneous: Excerpts From Airplane's Maintenance Records. (item 5, .PDF, 129 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40382312&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%3A%20Excerpts%20From%20Airplane%27s%20Maintenance%20Records.-Redacted.PDF - Miscellaneous: Preliminary Data Retrieved From Engine Data Monitoring Unit. (item 6, .PDF, 47 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40382320&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%3A%20Preliminary%20Data%20Retrieved%20From%20Engine%20Data%20Monitoring%20Unit.-Master.PDF - Other Pertinent Forms and Reports: Weather (item 7, .PDF, 97 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40382319&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Other%20Pertinent%20Forms%20and%20Reports%3A%20Weather-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 8, .PDF, 99 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40382309&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Redacted.PDF - Retention / Release of Wreckage Form (item 9, .PDF, 409 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40382310&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Retention%20%2F%20Release%20of%20Wreckage%20Form-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1 (Overview of Airplane Damage) Courtesy of the FAA (item 10, .PDF, 3.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40374344&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20(Overview%20of%20Airplane%20Damage)%20Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA-Master.PDF - Photo 2 (Airplane at Rest and the Damage) Courtesy of the FAA (item 11, .PDF, 2.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40374346&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20(Airplane%20at%20Rest%20and%20the%20Damage)%20Courtesy%20of%20the%20FAA-Master.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.