Cessna R172E N7878N

Summary

On 1 February 2002 at about 18:24 local time, a Cessna R172E registered N7878N, operated by Patrick AFB Aero Club, was involved in an accident near River Ranch, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 February 2002 at 18:24

Classification

Accident

Location

River Ranch, Florida, United States

Coordinates

27.7400, -81.1000

Aircraft

Cessna R172E

Registration

N7878N

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Patrick AFB Aero Club

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Patrick AFB → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA02LA057

2 people were seriously injured.

The reported loss of engine power due to undetermined reasons. Contributing factors in the accident were an improper flap setting, excessive landing speed, and terrain consisting of berms.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight departed and proceeded uneventfully to the La Belle Municipal Airport where an uneventful landing was performed. The flight departed to return to the initial departure airport and during cruise flight, the certified flight instructor (CFI) noted a discrepancy with one of the fuel gauges. He landed uneventfully at a nearby airport, and with the engine running, the CFI checked for fuel leaks and checked both fuel tanks; no leakage was noted and both tanks were found to contain a sufficient quantity of fuel. The CFI elected to depart to the return to the original departure airport and approximately 15 minutes into the flight, oil spots were noted on the windshield. The CFI reported the engine lost power shortly after seeing the oil spots. The CFI maneuvered the airplane for a landing in a field maintaining 85 miles-per-hour (mph), and during the landing roll with the flaps retracted, the airplane collided with a berm and became airborne. The airplane then contacted another berm becoming airborne again for a short distance. The airplane then impacted the ground and came to rest upright. The CFI exited the airplane and obtained assistance for the student who remained in the airplane. Examination of the fuel system, fuel vent system, air induction system, exhaust system, and engine assembly revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The crankshaft fracture was noted to be from overstress. On engine testing of the ignition system components revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Bench testing of fuel injection system components and both magnetos revealed no evidence of preimpact failure, a discrepancy was noted with the condensers of both magnetos. Bench testing of the fuel selector valve and flexible fuel lines revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Testing of fuel from the facility that fueled the airplane revealed no discrepancies that would cause a loss of engine power. No determination was made as to the reason for the reported loss of engine power. Review of the "Flight Manual" for the airplane revealed that for forced landings on unprepared surfaces, full flaps should be used if possible with a 75 mph glide.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.