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NTSB Report
April 28, 1988 · Cessna 172 · N4255F
Elkton, MD
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 28, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Elkton, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N4255F
Operator
John M Gray
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO88LA035
DURING CRUISE FLT AT AN ALT OF 1500 FT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. THE ACFT WAS LANDED ON RAILROAD TRACKS IN ORDER TO AVOID TREES. THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING. PLT STATED THAT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK GAUGE INDICATED 1/4 TANK AND THE LEFT GAUGE INDICATED A FULL TANK OF FUEL WHEN THE POWER LOSS OCCURRED. HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. POST ACCIDENT TEST RUN OF THE ENGINE FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION. THE PLT FAILED TO FILE AN ACC REPORT AND THERE IS NO RECORD INFO ON THE PLT.
Full Narrative
DURING CRUISE FLT AT AN ALT OF 1500 FT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED PRODUCING POWER. THE ACFT WAS LANDED ON RAILROAD TRACKS IN ORDER TO AVOID TREES. THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING. PLT STATED THAT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK GAUGE INDICATED 1/4 TANK AND THE LEFT GAUGE INDICATED A FULL TANK OF FUEL WHEN THE POWER LOSS OCCURRED. HE SWITCHED FUEL TANKS BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. POST ACCIDENT TEST RUN OF THE ENGINE FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE/MALFUNCTION. THE PLT FAILED TO FILE AN ACC REPORT AND THERE IS NO RECORD INFO ON THE PLT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN4255F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn M Gray
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time11:00
Weather SourceWIT