Accident Overview
On February 19, 2018, at approximately 1730 Chamorro standard time, a Cessna 172N (registration N7328F) was substantially damaged during an accident at Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport (PGSN) in Obyan, Northern Mariana Islands. The pilot and a passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an aerial observation flight.
Flight Details
The operator reported that about 5 minutes after departure, the engine began running roughly and then lost all power when the airplane was approximately 3 miles east of the airport at an altitude of 2,000 ft mean sea level. The pilot contacted the tower controller, stated his intention to return, and was instructed to enter the left downwind leg of the traffic pattern. During the return, the pilot temporarily regained engine power by pumping the throttle control. However, while approaching the left downwind leg, the engine again ran roughly and power decreased to 1,000 rpm. Further efforts to pump the throttle had no effect. The pilot declared an emergency, and the controller cleared him to land on a dry, 8,700-ft-long asphalt runway. Due to other airport traffic, the pilot opted for a straight-in approach rather than a 360° turn to lose altitude. According to the tower controller, the airplane was high and fast as it crossed the runway threshold, touching down with about 1,000 ft of runway remaining. After landing, the airplane bounced several times, and the pilot deliberately steered it off the runway. The airplane subsequently struck a ditch and nosed over.
Fuel and Preflight Information
The pilot reported that he did not visually inspect the fuel tanks before departure and could not recall checking the fuel quantity indicators before or during the flight. He also did not report any preflight fuel planning. The operator stated that fuel logs showed no record of refueling on the day of the accident. Investigators were unable to obtain records of the airplane’s previous flight times and fuel usage.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the wings, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. No fuel was found in the tanks or the carburetor bowl; a small amount was present in the gascolator bowl. No stains or other evidence of fuel leakage were observed at the accident site. The gascolator was clear of debris. Examination of the engine and airframe found no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.