On August 31, 1987, a Cessna 172N (registration N737SL) operated by Gates, Bennett E. was involved in an aviation accident near Sonora, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The sudden loss of partial power during flight, which necessitated a forced landing, though no mechanical defect was found upon inspection. 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 pleasure flight, the engine lost partial power, forcing a landing in a parking lot where the aircraft hit a fence.
What happened
The incident occurred during a pleasure flight when the aircraft's engine suddenly experienced a loss of partial power. Unable to maintain altitude or continue the flight, the pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby parking lot. Upon touchdown, the aircraft collided with a fence that bordered the property.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough inspection of the engine. To determine if a mechanical failure was responsible for the power loss, the engine was test-run for approximately 20 minutes at various power settings. Despite these extensive checks, no discrepancies or mechanical faults were noted during the evaluation.
Probable cause
The sudden loss of partial power during flight, which necessitated a forced landing, though no mechanical defect was found upon inspection.
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