On January 9, 1985, a Cessna 172N (registration N73849) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The threaded fuel line fitting was not properly torqued, leading to disconnection and subsequent engine failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a maintenance test flight, the engine stopped due to a fuel line disconnection at a threaded fitting. The pilot executed an emergency landing, striking a levee and nosing over.
Engine Failure After Maintenance
A pilot conducted a maintenance test flight following an engine top overhaul. Initially, the engine would not run after the overhaul. The mechanic removed the carburetor and found a piece of silicon. After reinstalling the carburetor, the engine operated normally. The pilot then departed for the test flight.
In-Flight Engine Stop and Emergency Landing
As the pilot began a descent back toward the airport, the engine stopped running and would not restart. It restarted momentarily when the pilot operated the primer. During the subsequent emergency landing, the aircraft struck a rice field levee and nosed over.
Examination Findings
An examination revealed that the fuel line had become disconnected from the carburetor at a threaded fitting. A laboratory examination of the threaded fitting showed a lack of smearing or scratching that would have been present if the fitting had been properly torqued.
Probable cause
The threaded fuel line fitting was not properly torqued, leading to disconnection and subsequent engine failure.
What happened in the 9 Jan 1985 Cessna 172N accident near Houston, TX?
During a maintenance test flight, the engine stopped due to a fuel line disconnection at a threaded fitting. The pilot executed an emergency landing, striking a levee and nosing over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jan 1985 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N73849, at Houston, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The threaded fuel line fitting was not properly torqued, leading to disconnection and subsequent engine failure.
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