Cessna 172G N202EX

Summary

On 9 May 1996 at about 22:25 local time, a Cessna 172G registered N202EX was involved in an accident near Okmulgee, Oklahoma, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 May 1996 at 22:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Okmulgee, Oklahoma, United States

Nearest airport

Okmulgee (OKM)

Coordinates

35.6306, -95.9496

Aircraft

Cessna 172G

Registration

N202EX

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Corsicana

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW96LA204

1 person had minor injuries.

THE PILOT'S CONTINUED OPERATION WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN THE AIRPLANE AND THE PILOT'S AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE RESULTING IN THE MALFUNCTIONING OF A WORN IGNITION SWITCH. A FACTOR WAS TREES.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

En route at 6,000 feet MSL, a total loss of engine power occurred. The airplane was being vectored to the nearest airport when the pilot restarted the engine. The pilot landed without further incident and troubleshooting by the pilot and a mechanic did not reveal any obvious problems. Following 2 ground run-ups, the flight departed the airport and the pilot performed a series of maneuvers at 4,000 feet MSL above the airport. During the on course turn, a total loss of engine power occurred, and the pilot performed a forced landing. The airplane landed short of runway 17, and during the landing flare/touchdown the left wing struck a tree. The last annual inspection was logged on March 5, 1996, and the mechanic stated 'AD's current' with the airplane and engine found to be 'airworthy and approved for return to service.' No mention was made of compliance with AD 76-07-12 which requires a functional check of the ignition switch to be performed every 100 hours. During an engine test run, the engine would operate intermittently through the ignition switch position. Internal points of the switch were worn and exhibited evidence of arcing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.