Accident Overview
On February 9, 2012, at 1530 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172M, registered as N5100R, experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot executed a forced landing in a forested area approximately 2 miles north of Cusick, Washington. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane as a personal cross-country flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Flight Details
The flight departed Coeur d'Alene Airport – Pappy Boyington Field (COE), Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, around 1500, destined for Sand Canyon Airport (1S9), Chewelah, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, he performed a preflight inspection, including sumping the fuel tanks and checking the oil before departure; no abnormalities were noted. The run-up was normal. On takeoff, with 10 degrees of flap extended, the takeoff was normal, but the pilot noted the airplane did not feel "as spunky as normal." All indications were good, but it seemed not to be producing power. About 10 minutes from the destination, the engine began to run rough. Suspecting carburetor ice, the pilot engaged carburetor heat, but the roughness persisted. He began searching for a forced landing site while troubleshooting: switching fuel tanks, activating carburetor heat, boost pump, and primer—all failed to restore power. The engine continued missing. Initially, he aimed for a field but realized he would not make it, then spotted an opening and flew toward it. The pilot recalled turning off the master, magneto, and electrical switches before impact with trees.
Investigation Findings
On-scene investigation revealed the left fuel tank was breached and empty from impact. Wreckage recovery personnel drained about 8 gallons of 100LL fuel from the right fuel tank. A post-accident examination of the airplane and subsequent engine run revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Conclusion
The accident investigation did not identify a specific mechanical cause for the engine power loss. The pilot's actions and the environmental conditions were as described.