Overview
On August 14, 2010, at approximately 2139 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N, registration N44WH, operated by Gulf Atlantic Airways as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91, ditched in the Gulf of Mexico following a loss of engine power. The flight was conducted under night visual meteorological conditions on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The certificated commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane departed Bartow Municipal Airport (BOW), Bartow, Florida, and was destined for Key West International Airport (EYW), Key West, Florida.
Pilot and Flight Details
According to the pilot's written statement, the flight originated from Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV), Gainesville, Florida, around noon on the day of the accident, flew to BOW, and then departed "around sunset." Approximately 50 miles from EYW, the engine "lost power at 7,000 feet," and the pilot was unable to restart it. The airplane impacted the water, nosed over, and sank. During the flight, the pilot reported deviating around weather. He further stated that the airplane's fuel tanks had been "topped off" at GNV the morning of the accident.
According to FAA records, the pilot, age 33, held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, airplane multiengine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued on October 6, 2008. The pilot indicated 2,000 total hours of flight experience, with 100 total hours in the accident aircraft make and model.
Weather and Communication
According to information from a specialist at the FAA Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center, the pilot deviated to the right of course to pass an area of weather by 5 miles. The deviation occurred about 15 minutes prior to the ditching.
According to documentation from Lockheed Martin Flight Service Station personnel, the pilot contacted them and filed a flight plan at 1950. At that time, the pilot reported approximately 4:00 hours of fuel on board, an estimated time en route of 1 hour 30 minutes, and a proposed departure time of 1959.
The 2153 recorded weather observation at EYW included winds from 040 degrees at 4 knots, clear skies, temperature 30°C, dew point 26°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.00 inches of mercury.
Aircraft Information
According to the fixed-base operator at GNV, the airplane was last refueled on August 13, 2010, with 14.1 gallons of avgas. Maintenance records indicate that the airplane and engine's most recent 100-hour inspection was completed on June 29, 2010. At that time, the tachometer indicated 12,508.0 total hours in service, and the engine had 590 hours since overhaul. As of the time of the report, the airplane wreckage had not been recovered.