Incident Overview
On May 28, 2011, at approximately 1915 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172F (registration N5663R) experienced a total loss of engine and electrical power while in cruise flight near Ironton, Ohio. The pilot, who also owned the aircraft, executed a forced landing to a field. The private pilot and a certified flight instructor on board sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, engine firewall, and empennage.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight, which was destined for Ashland Regional Airport (DWU) in Ashland, Kentucky. The flight had originated from DWU at 1815.
Preceding Events
According to the pilot, the airplane had not been flown or fueled for a "very long time" prior to May 26, 2011. On that date, the pilot flew the airplane for a flight review conducted by his flight instructor. After landing, the left toe brake pedal was noted to be very soft, and the airplane was not flown for the remainder of the day. On May 27, 2011, a mechanic at DWU repaired the brake and removed some bird nest material found around the engine.
Sequence of Power Loss
On May 28, 2011, the pilot and flight instructor first performed eight traffic patterns at DWU, completing four landings. They then flew approximately 7-8 miles northwest of DWU, where the pilot conducted "normal" flight maneuvers. While at 2,500 feet mean sea level (MSL), the airplane experienced decreasing engine power. As they began to head back toward DWU, engine power continued to decrease, and the airplane began to lose altitude. At 1,500 feet MSL, the engine lost all power simultaneously with a loss of electrical power. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing to a field.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector from the Nashville Flight Standards District Office examined the airplane. The exterior of the engine was found to be rusted with many corroded parts. The engine was rotated and compression was noted. The magnetos were operational. Fuel was present in the airplane's fuel tanks.
Icing Probability
According to the probability icing chart contained in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, at a temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of 64 degrees Fahrenheit, there was a probability of serious icing at glide power.