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NTSB Report

November 16, 2010 · Cessna 172 · N8306B

Hobe Sound, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 16, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hobe Sound, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N8306B
Operator
Ramon C Fenner
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11LA065

The pilot reported that, about 20 minutes into the flight, the engine began to lose power. He was able to keep the engine running using the fuel primer knob; however he could not maintain the airplane's altitude. The pilot then performed a forced landing into an orange grove and the airplane nosed over in the soft terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. Two inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the airplane and engine. The carburetor was disassembled and a thick, black and brown, slime-like substance was found in the carburetor bowl, blocking the fuel channel and drain plug. The origin of the contamination was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination in the carburetor.

Full Narrative

On November 16, 2010, about 0940 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172, N8306B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following an in-flight loss of engine power near Hobe Sound, Florida. The airplane was operated by a private individual. The certificated airline transport pilot was not injured. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight from Jupiter, Florida to Jacksonville, Florida (CRG). The flight originated at Tailwinds Airport (FD15) at 00915. The flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot reported that about 20 minutes into the flight, the engine began to lose power. He informed air traffic control of the situation and requested a vector to the closest airport. He was able to keep the engine running by actuating the fuel primer knob, but the airplane would not maintain altitude. The pilot performed an emergency landing in an orange grove near Hobe Sound. The airplane touched down in soft terrain and nosed over. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. He reported that the wings sustained substantial damage. During recovery of the wreckage, he confirmed positive fuel flow to the engine and the fuel tank vents were clear. All fuel screens were clear and the air intake was not obstructed. The throttle, mixture, and carburetor heat controls operated normally. The spark plugs were removed and the electrodes exhibited normal wear and color. The engine was turned by hand and internal continuity was confirmed. Compression was observed an all cylinders. The carburetor was removed and the accelerator pump operated normally when actuated by hand. Fuel was present in the carburetor bowl. Disassembly of the carburetor revealed the needle valve and seat were undamaged. A thick, slimy substance, black and brown in color, was found in the carburetor bowl drain plug and the substance was obstructing the fuel channel in the carburetor. The origin of the contamination was not determined. A review of the engine logbook revealed that the last annual inspection was performed on August 16, 2010. No discrepancies with the carburetor were noted. At the time of the accident, the airplane had been operated about 11 hours since the last annual inspection. Weather, recorded at 0953 at West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI), located about 25 miles southeast of the accident site, included winds from 200 degrees at 10 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 3,500 feet, temperature 27 degrees C, dew point 17 degrees C, an altimeter setting of 29.97 inches Hg.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:40 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN8306B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRamon C Fenner
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-300 SER · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 77 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data