On September 11, 1988, a Cessna 172P (registration N54867) operated by Boeing Employees Flying Assn was involved in an aviation accident near Shelton, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to execute a high and fast approach for a precautionary landing, which resulted in a balked landing and subsequent engine failure upon throttle application. 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.
A pilot reported engine roughness shortly after takeoff and attempted a precautionary landing. The approach was high and fast, leading to a balked landing where the engine quit upon throttle application.
What happened
Approximately ten minutes after takeoff, the pilot noticed the engine running roughly. Deciding to return to the point of departure for a precautionary landing, the pilot initiated an approach that was both high and fast. This resulted in a balked landing. Upon applying throttle to go around, the engine quit. The aircraft subsequently collided with trees located beyond the runway.
The investigation
Mechanical examination revealed no system failures. A test run of the engine showed no malfunctions. Fuel samples were analyzed and found to be clear of contaminants.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident were the high and fast approach during the precautionary landing and the subsequent loss of power during the go-around maneuver.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to execute a high and fast approach for a precautionary landing, which resulted in a balked landing and subsequent engine failure upon throttle application.
What happened in the 11 Sept 1988 Cessna 172P accident near Shelton, WA?
A pilot reported engine roughness shortly after takeoff and attempted a precautionary landing. The approach was high and fast, leading to a balked landing where the engine quit upon throttle application.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Sept 1988 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N54867, operated by Boeing Employees Flying Assn, at Shelton, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to execute a high and fast approach for a precautionary landing, which resulted in a balked landing and subsequent engine failure upon throttle application.
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