Accident Overview
On April 19, 2017, at approximately 2045 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N (registration N6013E) was substantially damaged during a forced landing in the Gulf of Mexico near Yankeetown, Florida. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated from George T. Lewis Airport (CDK) in Cedar Key, Florida, around 2025, and was destined for Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) in Orlando, Florida.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, prior to departure he observed 29 gallons of fuel on board and performed an engine run-up with no anomalies. After takeoff, the airplane climbed and leveled off at about 5,500 feet mean sea level. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, the engine "failed" and "violently" shook. The pilot declared an emergency, attempted to restart the engine four times, and subsequently ditched the aircraft in the water. Both occupants egressed without injury.
Aircraft Information
Federal Aviation Administration records indicate the airplane was manufactured in 1978 and was equipped with a Lycoming O-320-H2AD 160-horsepower engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on August 27, 2016, at a total airframe time of 10,961.6 hours. The engine had accumulated 7,378 hours total time, with 1,299 hours since major overhaul.
Damage and Examination
The right wing sustained substantial damage. The engine remained attached to the airframe through all engine mounts. Post-accident examination revealed crankshaft continuity when rotating the propeller by hand. All cylinders remained attached and were undamaged, and thumb compression was achieved on each cylinder when the propeller was rotated. The propeller blades showed no damage. Spark plug electrodes appeared normal, and the oil screen was free of debris. The carburetor contained fuel consistent with 100 low-lead aviation fuel, with traces of water. The fuel strainer also contained 100LL fuel with traces of water and no debris. The engine starter operated normally. The magnetos were removed and found full of water; when rotated by hand, they could not generate spark.
Weather Conditions
The 2055 recorded weather observation at Crystal River Airport – Captain Tom Davis Field (CGC), located about 13 nautical miles southeast of the accident location, included wind from 100° at 6 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 26°C, dew point 13°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.15 inches of mercury. According to the Federal Aviation Administration's carburetor icing probability chart (Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35), there was a probability of serious icing at glide power under the reported temperature and dew point conditions.