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Engine Oil Cooler Failure Leads to Forced Landing and Destruction of Aircraft (N14493)

Marietta, GA, US

On December 1, 1997, a Cessna FR-172J (registration N14493) operated by The Flight School OF Gwinnett was involved in an aviation accident near Marietta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the oil cooler core resulting in oil starvation. 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.

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

During cruise flight, an engine experienced banging, hissing, white smoke, and power loss. The pilot requested vectors but could not reach the airport, resulting in a forced landing on a construction site. The aircraft was destroyed.

Incident Overview

While in cruise flight, the engine began producing banging and hissing sounds, emitted white smoke, and steadily lost power. The pilot requested vectors from air traffic control to the nearest airport, Dobbins Air Reserve Base. However, the aircraft could not maintain sufficient glide to reach the runway.

Forced Landing

The pilot executed a forced landing onto a construction site. Upon touchdown, the airplane continued into trees and came to a stop. The impact and subsequent forces resulted in the destruction of the aircraft.

Investigation Findings

An NTSB-supervised teardown inspection of the engine was conducted. Examination revealed a failure of the oil cooler core. This failure led to oil starvation within the engine, which caused the observed power loss and eventual engine malfunction.

Probable cause

Failure of the oil cooler core resulting in oil starvation
Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Dec 1997 Cessna FR-172J accident near Marietta, GA?

During cruise flight, an engine experienced banging, hissing, white smoke, and power loss. The pilot requested vectors but could not reach the airport, resulting in a forced landing on a construction site. The aircraft was destroyed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Dec 1997 involved a Cessna FR-172J, registration N14493, operated by The Flight School OF Gwinnett, at Marietta, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the oil cooler core resulting in oil starvation

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09346. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.