# NTSB ERA14LA374: Cessna 172, N5276U, Apalachicola, FL, August 1, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 1, 2014, 13:20 local (17:20 UTC) - Place: Apalachicola, FL - Coordinates: 29.7275, -85.027221 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7275&lon=-85.0272&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report February 3, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - SAIBs cited in the narratives: [SAIB CE-09-35](https://openairdocs.org/saib/CE-09-35) (OpenAirDocs) - NTSB case key (mKey): 89787 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA14LA374 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89787/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89787 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA374 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination and testing. ## 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 172RG, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=2072438), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) - [Terrain: wet/muddy terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021035): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 172RG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021035/cases.md?model=2072438), [All aircraft, 110 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021035/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: conducive to carburetor icing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Decision related to condition; cases with it: [Cessna 172RG, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030/cases.md?model=2072438), [All aircraft, 435 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031030/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR go-around: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172RG, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=2072438), [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 172RG, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2072438), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 172RG, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072438), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The commercial pilot reported that the accident flight was the first flight since maintenance was performed after water was found in the fuel system. The pilot performed a preflight, sumped the fuel tanks with no water noted, and conducted an engine run-up with no anomalies noted. After takeoff, the pilot performed one circuit in the traffic pattern, and, during the final approach, he chose to perform a go-around. He applied full throttle, and the airplane began to climb, but the engine then lost total power. He subsequently turned the fuel pump on, applied carburetor heat, and began to "pump" the throttle. The engine started but then lost total power again. The pilot restarted the engine two more times, but, after it lost power again, he chose to perform a forced landing to a marsh, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the engine confirmed engine continuity from the propeller flange to the engine's accessory section, and an engine test run was performed with no anomalies noted. The left tank fuel line to the engine was found partially blocked with "fresh" sealant-type material. However, a review of the maintenance records found no entries indicating when the sealant was applied to the fuel tank. The fuel selector was found in the "both" position. Given that the sealant was only partially blocking the fuel line and that both fuel tanks were feeding the engine, the blockage likely would not have affected the engine power. Although the weather conditions were conducive to the accumulation of serious carburetor icing at glide power at the time of the accident and the total loss of engine power occurred after the engine had been operating at a low-power setting for the descent on final approach, the investigation could not determine whether carburetor ice caused the total loss of engine power. ## Factual narrative On August 1, 2014, about 1320 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172RG, N5276U, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a marsh following a total loss of engine power near Apalachicola, Florida. The commercial pilot incurred minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight. The airplane was registered to a corporation and operated by C.A.M.S. Flight School, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight was originating from Apalachicola Regional Airport-Cleve Randolph Field (AAF), Apalachicola, Florida, at the time of the accident.According to the pilot, he was told that he was going to pick up the airplane since it had come out of maintenance after water was found in the fuel. He performed a preflight, and noted a total of 33 gallons of fuel in the airplane's fuel tanks. The pilot sumped the fuel tanks without any water noted and performed an engine run-up without any anomalies noted. He performed a takeoff and one circuit in the traffic pattern. During the final approach he decided to perform a go-around and applied full power. The airplane began to climb, but soon after, the engine lost total power. He then turned the fuel pump "ON" and applied carburetor heat but the engine did not respond. He repositioned the throttle and then started "pumping it." Then, the engine started, maintained "full" rpm for less than a minute, and then lost total power again. The pilot performed the same procedure of "pumping" the throttle, the engine starting, and then losing total power two more times. After the third loss of total engine power, he elected to perform a forced landing to a marsh area. The airplane impacted the marsh area and came to rest in an upright position. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the airplane was issued a normal airworthiness certificate in February 1980. It was powered by a Lycoming O&VO 360 series, 180-hp, engine. According to the pilot, the most recent 100-hour inspection was completed on March 17, 2014. At the time of the accident, the tachometer indicated that the airplane had accumulated 7,287 hours of time. A review of recorded data from the AAF automated weather observation station, revealed at 1253 the wind was variable at 4 knots, visibility of 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 28 degrees C, dewpoint 21 degrees C, and a barometric altimeter setting of 30.00 inches of mercury. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane incurred substantial damage to both elevators and horizontal stabilizers. An undetermined amount of fuel was noted in both fuel tanks. The fuel selector valve, located in the cockpit, was noted in "Both" position. The engine remained attached to the fuselage through all engine mounts. One blade of the propeller was bent aft approximately 30 degrees and the other blade was not damaged. The FAA inspector, who responded to theaccident, stated that when the wings were removed to facilitate recovery, the left wing tank fuel line to the engine was partially blocked with a sealant type material. The sealant was "fresh" and photographic evidence showed that the sealant was neither weathered nor worn. Upon examining the maintenance records, there was no entry found that indicated when the sealant was applied to the fuel tank. In addition, no paperwork was produced that documented when the maintenance was performed to line the fuel tank with sealant. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that engine continuity was confirmed from the propeller flange to the accessory section of the engine by rotating the propeller by hand. The fuel screens were removed and no debris was noted. In addition, the engine was started and operated without any anomalies noted. A representative of the manufacturer was contacted and stated that if a fuel line was partially blocked from one fuel tank, as long as the fuel selector valve was on "BOTH," the fuel flow would be sufficient enough to maintain engine power. The carburetor icing probability chart from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB): CE-09-35 Carburetor Icing Prevention, June 30, 2009, showed a probability of serious icing at glide power at the temperature and dew point reported at the time of the accident. In addition it stated that in order to prevent carburetor icing, a pilot should "Use carburetor heat on approach and descent when operating at low power settings, or in conditions where carburetor icing is probable." According to the pilot operating handbook, both the descent and before landing checklist stated that the carburetor heat should be "ON" in order to prevent carburetor icing. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5276U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5276U-2018-01-04), registration cancelled 2018-01-04, S/N 172RG0319, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 (RG) - Registry model: [Cessna 172RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172rg) (registry code 2072438) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 172RG0319 - Year built: 1980 - Engines: LYCOMING O&VO-360 SER 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: C.A.M.S Flight School - Registered owner: N5276u Enterprise LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, March 17, 2014 - Departed: AAF, Apalachicola, FL - Destination: AAF, Apalachicola, FL - Airport: AAF, Apalachicola Regional, runway 24, 5,271 × 150 ft - Equipment: None ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 50; injuries: minor; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review February 25, 2012; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,264 total, 118 in this make and model, 1,227 as pilot in command, 84 in the last 90 days, 39 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: AAF ## 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 20140801015029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140801015029A), Aug 1, 2014: Cessna 172RG, Apalachicola, FL, Substantial damage. Aircraft departed runway 24 at Apalachicola, FL (aaf) and experienced no problems. Pilot decided to perform a normal landing due to the aircraft having a… ## Other investigations on N5276U (1) 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. - [NTSB FTW83LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA077), Jan 6, 1983: Cessna 172RG (N5276U), San Angelo, TX, destroyed ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 30, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89787. 4.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435280&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Pilot's Statement (item 2, .PDF, 25 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435281&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Pilot Interview Summary (item 3, .PDF, 125 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435282&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Interview%20Summary-Master.PDF - Memorandum of Record - FAA Statement (item 4, .PDF, 126 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435283&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20-%20FAA%20Statement-Master.PDF - Memorandum of Record - Airframe Manufacturer (item 5, .PDF, 116 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435284&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20-%20Airframe%20Manufacturer-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records (item 6, .PDF, 120 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435285&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records-Master.PDF - Carburetor Icing Chart (item 7, .PDF, 265 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435286&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Carburetor%20Icing%20Chart-Master.PDF - Excerpt of Pilot Operating Handbook (item 8, .PDF, 388 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435287&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpt%20of%20Pilot%20Operating%20Handbook-Master.PDF - Photos (item 9, .PDF, 6 photos, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435288&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photos-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.