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June 29, 2024 · Cessna 172 I · N46118

Lewiston Woodville, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lewiston Woodville, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 172 I (1968)
Tail Number
N46118
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA289

On June 29, 2024, about 0800 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172I, N46118, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the airplane departed Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport (JGG), Williamsburg, Virginia, with a destination of Topsail Airpark (01NC), Holly Ridge, North Carolina. About 1 hour after departure, while enroute to his destination at a cruise altitude of 3,500 ft mean sea level, the pilot noted the engine’s oil temperature was higher than normal and observed what appeared to be smoke coming from the engine cowling. He determined there was a possible engine fire and elected to perform a precautionary landing to a cultivated field. During the landing, the left wing struck a tree, and the airplane came to rest in the field in an upright position. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the airplane’s left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. Further examination revealed the engine’s oil cooler and cylinder fins were obstructed with a foreign material consistent with residential insulation. There was no evidence of fire or fire damage noted to the engine or airframe. The airplane was retained for further examination.

NTSB Probable Cause

The obstruction of the engine’s cooling system by foreign object debris (residential-type insulation), which resulted in smoke, an elevated oil temperature, and a subsequent off-airport landing on unsuitable terrain.

Full Narrative

On June 29, 2024, about 1800 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172I airplane, N46118, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lewiston Woodville, North Carolina. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the airplane departed Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport (JGG), Williamsburg, Virginia, with a destination of Topsail Airpark (01NC), Holly Ridge, North Carolina. About an hour after departure, while en route to his destination at a cruise altitude of 3,500 ft mean sea level, the pilot noted the engine’s oil temperature was higher than normal and observed what appeared to be smoke coming from the engine cowling. He determined there was a possible engine fire emergency and chose to perform a landing to a cultivated field. During the landing, the left wing struck vegetation, and the airplane came to rest in the field in an upright position. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the airplane’s left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. Further examination revealed that a foreign material consistent with residential-type insulation obstructed the engine’s oil cooler and some cylinder cooling fins. There was no evidence of fire or fire damage noted to the engine or airframe. The source of the foreign material, which was also in the induction air filter and on the nose landing gear, could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWilliamsburg-Jamestown Airport (76nm SSW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 I
Tail NumberN46118
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time17:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data