Accident Overview
On April 28, 2013, at approximately 1557 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, registration N3483E, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power near Henderson, Nevada. The aircraft was operated by the private pilot under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight originated from Henderson Executive Airport (HND) about 1555, with a planned destination of Zamperini Field Airport (TOA) in Torrance, California.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's written statement, the engine lost power approximately 450 feet above ground level during the climb out from runway 17R. The pilot reported that engine RPM was slowly decreasing. He decided to initiate a left turn back toward the airport but was unable to reach the runway and began a forced landing on a highway. Subsequently, the airplane struck elevated rocky terrain and came to rest upright.
A passenger reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane was shaking and not climbing properly. The pilot then declared an emergency and attempted to return to the airport. The passenger further stated that shortly after the pilot initiated a left bank, the airplane began to descend rapidly.
Witnesses located near the accident site observed the airplane turning left and unable to climb. They continued to watch the airplane circle to the left and subsequently observed it descend, strike the ground with its wing, while landing on a highway. One witness stated that the airplane's engine sound was steady and normal.
Weight and Balance
The maximum gross weight for the airplane per Cessna's pilot operating handbook is 2,300 pounds. The pilot reported a takeoff gross weight of 2,279 pounds on the NTSB pilot/operator report. However, the NTSB investigator-in-charge calculated the takeoff weight using the empty weight from the April 4, 2012, weight and balance revision, the weight of the occupants, 40 gallons of fuel, and 70 pounds of baggage. The calculated gross weight at departure was approximately 2,426 pounds, and the airplane's center of gravity was outside the aft limit of the weight and balance envelope.
Weather Conditions
Recorded weather data from the HND automated weather observation station at 1556 indicated wind from 230 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 17 knots, temperature 35 degrees Celsius, dew point minus 13 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.85 inches of mercury. Using the reported weather and field elevation, the calculated density altitude was approximately 5,410 feet.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane postaccident. He observed appropriate flight control and engine continuity and reported no anomalies. The airplane's right wing sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine by a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic under FAA supervision revealed no evidence of mechanical anomalies or failures that would have precluded normal operations.