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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 22, 2022 · Cessna P172D · N8540X

Prescott, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Prescott, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna P172D (1963)
Tail Number
N8540X
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR22LA186

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff the airplane’s engine suddenly lost power. Despite his efforts, the engine would not restart. Subsequently, the pilot initiated a forced landing in a field and, during the landing roll, the airplane impacted a tree stump, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. During a postaccident airframe and engine examination, the engine rotated freely, and all cylinders had compression and proper valve movement. The engine was started and run at various power settings, with no anomalies noted. No evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures was found that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to carburetor icing at cruise power, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

On May 22, 2022, about 0913 mountain standard time, a Cessna P172D airplane, N8540X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Prescott, Arizona. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff from Prescott Regional Airport – Ernest A Love Field (PRC), Prescott, Arizona, the airplane’s engine suddenly lost power. He immediately recycled the magnetos, pushed the mixture to full rich, and pushed the nose down. Despite his efforts, the engine would not restart. The pilot planned to land on a road, but vehicle traffic prevented this. Subsequently, he initiated a forced landing to a field about 1 mile past the runway threshold. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a tree stump, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. During a postaccident engine examination, manual rotation was accomplished through the crankshaft, and all cylinders had compression and proper valve movement. An engine run was then accomplished at various power settings, and no anomalies were noted. No evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures was noted during the examination of the recovered airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of the icing probability chart contained in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, revealed that the weather conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to carburetor icing at cruise power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:13 MST
Nearest AirportPrescott Regional Airport - Er (2nm SSW)
Runway21L
Runway Length7619 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna P172D
Tail NumberN8540X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 36 F
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time08:57
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data