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NTSB Report
December 9, 2007 · Cessna 172E · N3699S
Fair Bluff, NC
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 9, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fair Bluff, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 172E
Tail Number
N3699S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA08CA028
The pilot stated that he owned the airplane for quite some time, and that it had been "sitting" on the field since 2004. He said that he stopped taking flying lessons, and decided to sell the airplane. He said on the day of the accident, he "washed the airplane" and "sumped the fuel tanks." While sumping the tanks, he noted that about a ½ cup of water drained from the left and right fuel tanks. He decided to start the airplane and take it up for 1-touch and go. During his initial climb out the engine began to lose power. Shortly thereafter, he "pushed the throttle forward, and the engine revved up and then stopped." At that point, he made a left turn towards the field and landed in heavy brush. He said that as he exited the airplane it "caught on fire" and he was unable to extinguish it. During the telephone interview with the pilot he said that "he did not get all of the water out of tanks."
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection which failed to detect contaminated fuel, and subsequent loss of engine power.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he owned the airplane for quite some time, and that it has been "sitting" on the field since 2004. He said that he stopped taking flying lessons, and decided to sell the airplane. He said on the day of the accident, he "washed the airplane" and "sumped the fuel tanks." While sumping the tanks, he noted that about a ½ cup of water drained from the left and right fuel tanks. He decided to start the airplane and take it up for 1-touch and go. During his initial climb out the engine began to lose power. Shortly thereafter, he "pushed the throttle forward, and the engine revved up and then stopped." At that point, he made a left turn towards the field and landed in heavy brush. He said that as he exited the airplane it "caught on fire" and he was unable to extinguish it. During the telephone interview with the pilot he said that "he did not get all of the water out of tanks."
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EST
Nearest AirportStrickland Field Airport (1nm)
Runway5
Runway Length2642 ft
Runway Width118 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172E
Tail NumberN3699S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300 · Reciprocating · 170
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time22:00
Weather SourceWFAC