Accident Summary
On June 24, 2017, at about 0930 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, registration N6474B, impacted trees during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Fulton, Missouri. The airplane, owned and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, was on a local personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed Elton Hensley Memorial Airport in Fulton at about 0915.
The pilot and two passengers were not injured, while two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, before the sightseeing flight, a preflight inspection was completed. The pilot sumped the left wing fuel tank and noted "little to no water," and also sumped the right wing fuel tank. The left tank contained about 9 gallons of fuel, and the right tank contained about 7 to 8 gallons.
During the flight, while maneuvering, the engine "sputtered ever so slightly" and then regained power. Approximately 3 to 5 seconds later, the engine dropped to about 700 RPM. The pilot checked the engine controls in an attempt to regain power and initiated a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane touched down about three-quarters of the way down the available field length and subsequently impacted adjacent trees.
Examination Findings
An initial examination at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed about 1 ounce of water in the gascolator. Continuity was established from the cockpit engine controls to the respective engine components. Fuel was found in the carburetor bowl and in the wing fuel tanks.
On July 26, 2017, at a recovery facility, the engine was examined by FAA inspectors and a representative from Continental Motors. A visual examination found no anomalies. An external supply of aviation fuel was plumbed into the gascolator. Due to two broken rear engine mounts, a ratchet strap was used to secure the engine. The engine started normally on the second attempt and was allowed to warm up. The throttle was advanced to 1,000 RPM, and a magneto check was performed; each magneto produced a drop of 50-75 RPM. The engine was advanced to 2,300 RPM and then back to 1,000 RPM for a second magneto check with similar results. The engine was then shut down using the mixture control. According to Continental Motors, the examination and functional test run produced no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation and power production.
The airplane was configured to seat and restrain up to four occupants.