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Engine Power Loss Prompts Forced Landing on Golf Course (N6729A)

Mooresville, NC, US

On September 7, 2007, a Cessna 172 (registration N6729A) was involved in an aviation accident near Mooresville, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane by the pilot-in-command for his failure to remove all water contamination from the fuel system. 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

Water contamination in the fuel system led to an engine power loss 20 minutes into a flight, resulting in a forced landing on a golf course where the aircraft sustained damage after contacting a curb.

Accident Narrative

During the preflight inspection of the airplane, water was detected and drained from the left wing fuel tank. No other water was noted in the fuel system at that time. The flight departed and approximately 20 minutes into the flight, the engine experienced a loss of power. Application of carburetor heat momentarily restored engine power, but the engine power then decreased, and further attempts to restore power were unsuccessful.

The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing on a golf course. Due to golfers on the intended fairway, the pilot elected to land long. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear fork fractured after contacting a curb, and the left wing subsequently contacted the ground.

Postaccident Examination

Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed six ounces of water in the gascolator. The seals of the fuel filler caps were found to be cracked. There was no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure of the engine or its systems.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Sept 2007 Cessna 172 accident near Mooresville, NC?

Water contamination in the fuel system led to an engine power loss 20 minutes into a flight, resulting in a forced landing on a golf course where the aircraft sustained damage after contacting a curb.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Sept 2007 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Sept 2007 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6729A, at Mooresville, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane by the pilot-in-command for his failure to remove all water contamination from the fuel system.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071017X01593. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.