Cessna 172D N2777U

Summary

On 16 June 2018 at about 20:00 local time, a Cessna 172D registered N2777U was involved in an accident near Quinton, Virginia, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

16 June 2018 at 20:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Quinton, Virginia, United States

Nearest airport

New Kent County Airport (W96)

Coordinates

37.5033, -77.1267

Aircraft

Cessna 172D

Registration

N2777U

Category

Airplane

Year built

1963

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Quinton → Quakertown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA18LA169

1 person was seriously injured.

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he conducted a preflight inspection, during which he sampled the fuel and recovered about 4 ounces of water. He then performed an engine run-up and taxied to the runway for departure. During the climbout, when the airplane was about 100 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing, and the airplane collided with trees. The fuselage, wings, and empennage were substantially damaged during the impact. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed a large bird nest in the engine cowling and cabin air intakes. The condition of the engine air intake could not be determined due to impact damage. The propeller was able to rotate and valvetrain continuity and the operation of the magnetos was confirmed. Given the available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.