# NTSB FTW04LA028: Cessna 172H, N8058L, Wichita Falls, TX, November 26, 2003 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 26, 2003, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: Wichita Falls, TX - Coordinates: 33.947223, -98.616668 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9472&lon=-98.6167&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report June 2, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA Flight Standards District Office, SW19 - NTSB case key (mKey): 58394 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW04LA028 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/58394/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA028 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power due to an obstruction in the fuel line. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb - fuel system,line - obstructed (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis During takeoff on a maintenance test flight, approximately 200 feet agl, the engine lost power. The 4,070-hour flight instructor stated that he turned the airplane back toward the airport and looked for a suitable place to land. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted the terrain, flipped over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the gascolator, connected to the carburetor fuel line, was blocked by rubber deposits. These deposits were consistent with the inner lining of the fuel line. ## Factual narrative On November 26, 2003, approximately 1500 central standard time, a Cessna 172H single-engine airplane, N8058L, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff from the Wichita Valley Airport, near Wichita Falls, Texas. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and his passenger, a private pilot, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the private pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The private pilot, who was seated in the left seat, stated that he performed a run up of the aircraft prior to picking up the flight instructor. After picking up the CFI, they "taxied to the gas pumps [and] filled up both [fuel] tanks using proper procedures." Prior to departure both pilots went through the aircraft checklist and no anomalies were discovered. The private pilot reported, "Everything looked good [as] he took off, we got up around 200 feet and lost power." The 4,070-hour flight instructor, who was seated in the right seat, stated they "performed a thorough run up, and everything looked good for the takeoff." Approximately 200 feet agl, the engine lost power. The CFI turned the airplane into the wind to attempt to land in the field adjacent to the runway. The CFI vaguely recalled rolling-out wings level from a turn and flaring to land. According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane had recently underwent an extensive restoration, and the pilots were attempting to perform a test flight. During the takeoff from runway 13, the engine lost power, and the pilot initiated a forced landing and executed a 180-degree turn toward the airport. The airplane impacted the terrain in a nose low attitude, flipped over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the wreckage revealed both wings were bent, the empennage was partially separated from the fuselage, and the engine was separated from the airframe. The engine crankshaft was manually rotated and crankshaft continuity was verified throughout the engine. The FAA inspector stated the gascolator, connected to the carburetor fuel line, was blocked by rubber deposits. These deposits were consistent with the inner lining of the fuel line. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8058L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8058L-2005-12-14), registration cancelled 2005-12-14, S/N 17256258, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172H - Registry model: [Cessna 172H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172h) (registry code 2072424) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17256258 - Engines: Continental O-300-H 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Ronald W. Pittman - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 9, 2003, 0 hours before - Departed: F14, Wichita Falls, TX - Destination: Wichita Falls, TX - Airport: F14, Wichita Falls, runway 130, 3,315 × 40 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; injuries: minor; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review October 4, 2002; flight hours: 4,070 total, 153 in this make and model, 3,860 as pilot in command, 85 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 330° at 12 knots, gusting 17 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 29.76 inHg - Observed at: SPS, 6 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 20031126036169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20031126036169A), Nov 26, 2003: Cessna 172H, Wichita Falls, TX, Destroyed. (-23) On November 26, 2003 at approximately 1500 central standard time N8058L, a Cessna 172H aircraft, departed Wichita Falls valley airport (F14) on a… ## Other investigations on N8058L (2) 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 FTW83LA395](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA395), Aug 25, 1983: Cessna 172H (N8058L), Plano, TX, substantial damage - [NTSB FTW69D0313](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW69D0313), Dec 7, 1968: Cessna 172 (N8058L), Lake Charles, LA, substantial damage 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.