# NTSB ERA17LA242: Cessna 172, N80457, Key Biscayne, FL, July 14, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 13, 2017, 23:20 local (Jul 14, 2017, 03:20 UTC) - Place: Key Biscayne, FL - Coordinates: 25.710277, -80.15583 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.7103&lon=-80.1558&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 6, 2019 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 95569 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA17LA242 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95569/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95569 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA242 ## Probable cause The nearly complete blockage of the right fuel tank strainer with organic material, which resulted in fuel starvation and the subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing to the fuel starvation was the pilot receiving instruction’s and the flight instructor’s failure to identify that the fuel was burning unevenly during the flight. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fuel system: fuel filter-strainer](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022821): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Inoperative (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022821/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 52 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022821/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of available resources](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063035/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 41 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063035/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: use of available resources](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063035/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 41 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063035/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 16 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: pole](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022010): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022010/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 142 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Enroute: Fuel starvation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 733 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/191/sequence.md) - [Enroute: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Enroute: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 28 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 100 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Hard landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 23 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 2,102 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/092/sequence.md) ## Analysis The flight instructor stated that, during the preflight inspection, he visually inspected both fuel tanks and checked the fuel level using a dipstick and that each tank contained about 15 gallons. Subsequently, the flight instructor and private pilot receiving instruction departed for an instrument training flight with the fuel selector positioned to the "both" position. The pilots flew to two different airports to practice instrument approaches and holding. About 2 hours 25 minutes after the airplane originally departed, the flight instructor chose to return to the departure airport. The instructor stated that, while east of the airport, the engine "sputtered" for about 2 to 3 seconds and then lost all power; the engine rpm then increased briefly to 1,500, followed by the loss of all engine power again. The pilot reported that, at that time, the left and right fuel gauges were in the lower red arc between 1/4 and 1/2 capacity, respectively. The pilots attempted to restore engine power by moving the fuel selector to each fuel tank position and checking the magnetos in each respective position to no avail. The instructor maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing on a road, during which it collided with trees and a light pole before landing hard. During postaccident examination of the airplane, less than 1 gallon of fuel was drained from the left fuel tank, and about 10 gallons of fuel were drained from the right fuel tank; the tanks were not breached, and no evidence of leakage was found. Further examination of the right fuel tank supply system revealed that the strainer was nearly completely blocked by organic material, which prevented the remaining fuel in the right fuel tank from feeding to the engine and likely resulted in the loss of all engine power due to fuel starvation. If either the flight instructor or the pilot had scanned the fuel quantity gauges periodically throughout the flight, they could have noticed the uneven fuel burn and performed a precautionary landing before the engine lost power. ## Factual narrative On July 13, 2017, about 2320 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N80457, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a road near Key Biscayne, Florida. The flight instructor was not injured and the private pilot receiving instruction sustained minor injuries. The airplane was being operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight which originated from Miami Executive Airport (TMB), Miami, Florida, about 2055.The flight instructor stated that during the preflight inspection, both fuel tanks were visually inspected and also checked using a dipstick, and each tank contained about 15 gallons. The flight departed TMB with the fuel selector on the "both" position, and flew to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the private pilot, who was receiving instruction for an instrument rating, executed a practice instrument approach that terminated with a full-stop landing. The airplane remained on the ground for about 15-18 minutes with the engine operating, then departed and flew to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), West Palm Beach, Florida, where the private pilot executed another practice instrument approach, which terminated with a missed approach, and holding practice. About 2215, the flight instructor elected to return to TMB and requested visual flight rules flight following from air traffic control (ATC). The flight proceeded south, east to the coast, and then south along the shoreline. While flying near Key Biscayne with the engine operating between 2,300 and 2,350 rpm, the mixture control full rich, and the fuel selector on the same position it had been since the initial takeoff (both), the engine sputtered for about 2-3 seconds, lost power, then increased briefly to 1,500 rpm, before losing power again. The private pilot reported the left and right fuel gauges at that time were indicating in the lower red arc and between 1/4 and 1/2 capacity, respectively. Attempts to restore engine power consisted of moving the fuel selector to each fuel tank position, and checking the magnetos on each respective position, but engine power was not restored. The flight instructor declared an emergency with the ATC controller and requested assistance from emergency equipment. While descending for a forced landing to a road, the airplane collided with tree branches, and then a light pole, and came to rest within 25 to 30 ft of the touchdown point on the road. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, there was no evidence of fuel leakage or a breach of either fuel tank. Less than 1 gallon of fuel was drained from the left fuel tank, while about 10 gallons of fuel were drained from the right fuel tank. The airplane was recovered for further examination at a later date. Examination of the airplane following recovery revealed the right fuel tankstrainer, part number 0422130 was nearly completely blocked by organic material. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N80457](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N80457-2018-12-10), registration cancelled 2018-12-10, S/N 17266596, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 (M) - Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17266596 - Year built: 1976 - Airframe hours: 5547.8 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Dean International, Inc., doing business as Dean International Flight School - Registered owner: C & G Aircraft Parts, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility - Last inspection: 100 hour, June 30, 2017 - Departed: PBI, West Palm Beach, FL - Destination: TMB, Miami, FL - Equipment: ADS-B, Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 30; injuries: none; airline transport, flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 27, 2016; seat: right; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 2,800 total, 510 in this make and model, 2,750 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours - Student pilot; age 23; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review April 8, 2017; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 164 total, 21 in this make and model, 127 as pilot in command, 111 in the last 90 days, 55 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night - Wind: 100° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken - Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 77 °F - Altimeter: 30.07 inHg - Observed at: MIA, 9 nm away ## 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 20170713009089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170713009089A), Jul 13, 2017: Cessna 172M, Key Biscayne, FL, Substantial damage. While enroute from kpbi to ktmb and at an altitude of 1,100 feet, the Cessna 172M, N80457, experienced a rough running engine and loss of power. The pilot… ## Other investigations on N80457 (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 ERA14CA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA155), Mar 14, 2014: Cessna 172M (N80457), Brooksville, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to compensate for the reported crosswind conditions resulting in the wings contacting the ground. ## Docket (5 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 15, 2019, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95569. 8.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 7.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40474171&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of NTSB Conversations (item 2, .PDF, 89 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40474172&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20NTSB%20Conversations-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector Statements (item 3, .PDF, 548 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40474173&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statements-Master.PDF - Investigative Photographs (item 4, .PDF, 4 photos, 755 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40474174&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Investigative%20Photographs-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 5, .PDF, 262 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40474175&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-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.