Cessna 172H N8016L

Summary

On 17 August 1996 at about 16:15 local time, a Cessna 172H registered N8016L was involved in an accident near St. Petersburg, Florida, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

17 August 1996 at 16:15

Classification

Accident

Location

St. Petersburg, Florida, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Cessna 172H

Registration

N8016L

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Clearwater → Palmetto

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL96FA119

1 person died.

An engine malfunction for undetermined reasons. A factor was the pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing site.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot/owner was scheduled to deliver his airplane to a mechanic for an annual inspection. When the airplane did not arrive, the mechanic made inquiries, and discovered that the airplane had crashed between the departure airport and the destination. Witnesses to the accident reported that the engine was not operating, and that it appeared the airplane was attempting to land on a fishing pier. The airplane hit a light pole, the fishing pier guardrail, and tumbled into the bay. Following the airplane's removal from the bay, there was evidence of fuel in the airplane at impact. Although the carburetor bowl exhibited evidence of long term corrosion, the engine was operated after removing the sea water trapped in it. The reason for the reported engine malfunction could not be determined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.