On July 27, 2001, a Cessna 172N (registration N181SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmington, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the powerline while descending for an emergency landing. A contributing factor was the loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. 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.
While flying at 500 feet, the engine stuttered. The pilot banked toward a road, felt a hard jerk, and heard a screeching noise. A passenger reported a power line strike. Engine power returned but the aircraft could not climb. A forced landing resulted in tree strikes and a road skid.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft was flying at 500 feet above ground level when the engine began to stutter. The pilot turned right toward a nearby road. During the turn, he felt a hard jerk and heard a screeching noise. His passenger stated they had struck a power line. The engine then regained power. The pilot decided to proceed to a nearby airport. As the aircraft descended to 100 feet above ground, the pilot realized it would not climb. He attempted a forced landing. The aircraft struck trees short of the intended landing road. It then hit the road, skidded, and struck another tree. The impact spun the aircraft around, and it came to a stop.
Fuel Status
After the event, the left wing tank contained approximately 3.5 gallons of fuel, and the right wing tank contained approximately 15.0 gallons.
What happened in the 27 Jul 2001 Cessna 172N accident near Farmington, NM?
While flying at 500 feet, the engine stuttered. The pilot banked toward a road, felt a hard jerk, and heard a screeching noise. A passenger reported a power line strike. Engine power returned but the aircraft could not climb. A forced landing resulted in tree strikes and a road skid.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jul 2001 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N181SP, at Farmington, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the powerline while descending for an emergency landing. A contributing factor was the loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
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