On August 17, 2002, a Cessna 172S (registration N35073) was involved in an aviation accident near Plainville, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight engine compartment fire of unknown origin, and a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. 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.
Shortly after takeoff, witnesses observed black smoke trailing the airplane and a small orange ball behind the propeller. Engine noise changed, including power reduction, cut-out, and sputtering. The airplane turned left, banked steeply, and impacted the ground. A post-impact fire prevented determination of the fire and power loss origin.
Incident
Immediately after takeoff, multiple witnesses observed black smoke trailing from the airplane. One witness reported seeing a "small orange ball" immediately behind the propeller. Several witnesses noted abnormal engine sounds: one described a change in engine noise as if power had been reduced, another heard the engine "cut-out," and a third heard the engine "sputter."
Flight Path
At an altitude of approximately 400 feet, the airplane initiated a nose-high, left turn back toward the airport. Subsequently, the airplane "banked steeply downward" until it impacted the ground.
Wreckage and Fire
The wreckage path measured about 70 feet in length. A post-impact fire occurred, and due to the severity of the fire, the origin of the in-flight fire and the cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Aug 2002 Cessna 172S accident near Plainville, CT?
Shortly after takeoff, witnesses observed black smoke trailing the airplane and a small orange ball behind the propeller. Engine noise changed, including power reduction, cut-out, and sputtering. The airplane turned left, banked steeply, and impacted the ground. A post-impact fire prevented determination of the fire…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N35073, at Plainville, CT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
An in-flight engine compartment fire of unknown origin, and a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Also causal, was the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during a turn back to the airfield, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent impact with the ground.