# NTSB MIA86LA089: Cessna 172G, N3870L, New Smyrna, FL, March 2, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 2, 1986, 12:19 local (17:19 UTC)
- Place: New Smyrna, FL
- Location: 29.0503° N, 80.9331° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of New Smyrna, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.0503&lon=-80.9331&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31583
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA089
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31583/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA089

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power, descent - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE FLT HAD BEEN CRUISING ON THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. DURING THE DESCENT, CARB HEAT AND RICH MIXTURE WAS SELECTED. THE ENG QUIT AND THE PLT SELECTED BOTH FUEL TANKS. ENG PWR WAS RESTORED BRIEFLY DURING THE DESCENT, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN FLT. A FORCED LANDING WAS PERFORMED ON A RAILROAD BED. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION WHICH WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE PWR LOSS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3870L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3870L), registered now, S/N 17254039, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172G
- Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17254039
- Airframe hours: 5178
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lawrence Mercer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1985, 3 hours before
- Departed: OPF, OPA LOCKA, FL
- Destination: 34J, NEW SMYRNA, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,150 total, 179 in this make and model, 958 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 17 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAB, 17 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 19860302005219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860302005219A), Mar 2, 1986: Cessna 172G, New Smyrna, FL, Substantial damage. Engine failed on descent to airport,crash landed on railroad. Cause power loss not determined.

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.

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