Accident Summary
On June 7, 2017, at approximately 0950 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172D airplane, registration N2492U, experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise flight over Cape Coral, Florida. The aircraft subsequently struck power lines and collided with the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight, which originated from Page Field Airport (FMY) in Fort Myers, Florida. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot, a preflight inspection was performed prior to departure, during which the fuel tanks were sumped several times. The pilot reported that only a small amount of water was observed draining from the tanks. An engine run-up revealed no anomalies, and the aircraft took off without issue. After takeoff, while cruising at 1,200 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot noticed a loss of engine power. He immediately altered his course to return to the departure airport and applied carburetor heat in an attempt to regain power. The engine continued to run roughly at a reduced power setting, allowing the airplane to maintain an altitude of 800 feet agl. As the pilot prepared for an emergency landing, the engine subsequently lost all power. He notified air traffic control that he was "going down" and began an emergency descent. The airplane struck power lines and impacted the ground nose-first. After the accident, the pilot exited the aircraft and awaited emergency services.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector arrived at the scene approximately four hours after the accident. The airplane was found inverted in a parking lot. Examination revealed that the nose of the aircraft was crushed aft, the engine was pushed against the firewall, and there was buckling throughout the fuselage. A mixture of water and fuel was observed dripping from the right wing fuel cap. The inspector estimated that about two gallons of water flowed from the fuel tanks. The inspector inquired with the fire chief on scene whether water had been sprayed on the airplane; the fire chief responded negatively and added that the pilot had also been looking at the water dripping from the tank. After the aircraft was moved, extensive rust was discovered on both fuel ports.
The engine examination showed impact damage signatures. The two-blade fixed-pitch propeller remained attached to the crankshaft and displayed impact damage on both blades. The crankshaft propeller flange was partially attached, and the crankshaft was cracked aft of the flange, consistent with impact. Hand rotation of the propeller confirmed continuity of the camshaft, crankshaft, and valve train to the rear accessory section. Due to damage, an engine test-run was not performed. The magnetos and ignition harness were impact-damaged and provided no useful information. The engine assembly showed no anomalies within the drivetrain that would have precluded normal operation.
Examination Findings
Examination of the carburetor revealed significant corrosion inside, with several large flakes of corroded material found at the bottom of the fuel bowl and one flake within the mixture control housing. The airframe examination confirmed flight control continuity to all surfaces and controls, with no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.