Casualties unknown

2000-04-04: Cessna 152 (N46912) — Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro, TN, US

On April 4, 2000, a Cessna 152 (registration N46912) was involved in an aviation accident near Murfreesboro, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine's loss of power during takeoff, which could not be determined due to inadequate examination of the fuel system for water contamination caused by fire damage and firefighting foam. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An instructional flight experienced an engine power loss at approximately 100 feet above ground level during takeoff, leading to a collision with trees and power lines.

What happened

During the initial phase of takeoff, the aircraft encountered a sudden loss of engine power while climbing to an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. The pilot was unable to maintain sufficient climb performance to clear nearby obstacles. With no suitable emergency landing area available in the immediate vicinity, the flight continued its descent and collided with a tree and associated power lines before impacting the terrain. A post-impact fire ensued, consuming significant portions of the wreckage.

The investigation

Emergency responders and investigators arrived at the crash site to find extensive fire damage. Firefighting foam had been applied extensively over the wreckage during suppression efforts, which obscured critical evidence. Due to the severity of the fire and the presence of foam, a thorough physical examination of the airframe for signs of fuel system water contamination was not possible. The engine was removed and subjected to a detailed disassembly examination by technical specialists.

Findings

The mechanical inspection of the engine did not yield conclusive findings regarding the cause of the power loss. No obvious mechanical failures or defects were identified during the disassembly process. The inability to examine the fuel system for water contamination due to fire and foam limitations left a gap in the physical evidence, but no other contributing factors were identified through the available data.

Probable cause

The engine's loss of power during takeoff, which could not be determined due to inadequate examination of the fuel system for water contamination caused by fire damage and firefighting foam.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20876. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.