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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 8, 1997 · Cessna 172P · N97074

Naples, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 8, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Naples, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N97074
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA029

The pilot stated he had a loss of engine power after takeoff. The airplane was 200 above the ground, and not able to return to the airport, so the pilot chose a landing spot about 1/2 mile from the runway. Upon landing, the aircraft impacted trees and was substantially damaged. Examination of the aircraft and engine showed no evidence of pre-crash anomalies. The engine was operated to full power during a test run.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On November 8, 1997, about 1135 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172P, N97074, operated by an individual as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted with trees during a forced landing following partial loss of engine power at Naples Municipal Airport, Naples, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot and 3 passengers were not injured. The flight was originating at the time en route to Marco Island, Florida. The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff, at about 200 feet, he had to "lower the nose" in order to maintain airspeed. He realized that the engine was losing power. The pilot further states that his altitude did not permit him to return to the airport, so he picked a landing spot about half a mile from runway 32. The aircraft impacted trees and touched down about 50-60 seconds after the loss of power. The aircraft was inspected and the engine was examined by an FAA inspector and the Chief Mechanic for Ambassador Airways. The FAA inspector reported that initial inspection of the aircraft showed damage to both wings and tail section. The windshield was "busted out" on the pilot's side. No discrepancies were noted during post-crash engine run-up. Further investigation revealed that the aircraft "could have been" 58 pounds over weight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:35 EST
Nearest AirportNaples Muni (1nm)
Runway32
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN97074
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time16:57
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data