On April 15, 1983, a Cessna R172E (registration N70HP) was involved in an aviation accident near Little, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The breakage of the fuel injection line at the flow divider for the number 5 cylinder, which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft experienced fuel pressure loss due to a broken injection line, leading to engine failure and a forced landing where the nose gear collapsed after striking a fence.
What happened
The aircraft had previously landed twice during the incident sequence specifically to inspect the windshield for signs of leaking fluid. During one of these landings, fuel pressure dropped to zero, causing the engine to quit. At that moment, the leak was confirmed to be aircraft fuel. Subsequently, the pilot executed a forced landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a fence, which resulted in the collapse of the nose gear.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed the mechanical cause of the failure. The inspection found that the fuel injection line at the flow divider for the number 5 cylinder was broken.
Probable cause
The breakage of the fuel injection line at the flow divider for the number 5 cylinder, which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine failure.
What happened in the 15 Apr 1983 Cessna R172E accident near Little, OK?
Aircraft experienced fuel pressure loss due to a broken injection line, leading to engine failure and a forced landing where the nose gear collapsed after striking a fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Apr 1983 involved a Cessna R172E, registration N70HP, at Little, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The breakage of the fuel injection line at the flow divider for the number 5 cylinder, which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine failure.
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