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Engine Failure Forces Ditching; Pilot Rescued Following Night (N3757F)

San Pablo Bay, CA, US

On February 14, 1997, a Cessna 172F (registration N3757F) was involved in an aviation accident near San Pablo Bay, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, an aircraft experienced engine roughness and failure, leading to a ditching. The pilot sprained an ankle and stayed with the partially submerged aircraft, activating the ELT manually. Rescue occurred the next morning.

The Incident

A few minutes after takeoff, the engine began to run rough and subsequently quit. The pilot was forced to ditch the aircraft. Following the ditching, the aircraft partially sank in the shallow bay.

Pilot's Actions and Rescue

The pilot sprained his ankle during the water landing and decided to stay with the aircraft. He was located the following morning after manually activating the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).

Fuel and Maintenance History

The aircraft had last been refueled several weeks before the accident but had not flown until the day of the accident. The pilot estimated there were 28 gallons of fuel remaining at the time of the incident. The aircraft logbooks did not reveal any discrepancies. The aircraft was not inspected after the accident.

Weather Considerations

The temperature dew point spread noted in the carburetor icing probability chart is 'moderate icing - cruise power or serious icing - glide power.'

Engine failureIcing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Feb 1997 Cessna 172F accident near San Pablo Bay, CA?

Shortly after takeoff, an aircraft experienced engine roughness and failure, leading to a ditching. The pilot sprained an ankle and stayed with the partially submerged aircraft, activating the ELT manually. Rescue occurred the next morning.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Feb 1997 Cessna 172F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Feb 1997 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N3757F, at San Pablo Bay, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing and the pilot's failure to use carburetor heat.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07424. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.