Cessna 172M Noses Over After Engine Power Loss During Stall Demonstration

Accident Narrative

During a training flight in a Cessna 172M, a flight instructor was demonstrating a power-off stall. The instructor observed that the radio lights were flickering and that the wing flaps were deploying more slowly than normal. He cycled the No. 1 radio and then reached for the master switch to verify it was turned on. At that moment, the engine lost all power and the propeller ceased rotating. The instructor lowered the airplane's nose and performed the emergency checklist. He selected a suitable field for landing and briefed the student pilot. Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over, resulting in damage to the firewall and wings.

Post-Accident Examination

Federal Aviation Administration inspectors conducted a post-accident examination of the airplane and its engine. The examination revealed no preimpact malfunctions.