Accident Overview
On June 16, 2018, at approximately 1600 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172D aircraft, registration N2777U, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Quinton, Virginia. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Preflight Preparations
The pilot reported that two evenings before the accident, he inspected the airplane for the upcoming flight. During that inspection, he removed two walnut-sized mud balls from the engine area and observed straw, which suggested the possible presence of a bird nest. On the day of the accident, during the preflight inspection, he removed the engine cowling plugs and found and removed a bird nest from the center/right side of the engine. He then used a flashlight to examine the engine area and noted no further anomalies. He sampled fuel from the left wing tank, removing about 4 ounces of water until clear fuel appeared. He sampled the right wing tank and belly drain and noted no meaningful amount of water. After starting the engine and taxiing to the fuel pumps, he filled the fuel tanks. At that time, he also found and removed mud from the fuel tank vent behind the pilot-side wing strut using a flexible wire and a screwdriver.
Takeoff and Loss of Power
The pilot stated that during the engine run-up, he observed nothing unusual. He then taxied to runway 29 for departure. The takeoff was reported as normal. However, when the airplane reached about 100 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing straight ahead, and the airplane subsequently collided with trees.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. The fuselage, wings, and empennage were substantially damaged. Examination of the engine revealed a large bird nest present in the engine cowling and cabin air intakes. The condition of the engine air intake could not be determined due to impact damage. Valvetrain continuity was confirmed by rotating the propeller. Both magnetos produced spark, and the spark plugs appeared normal. The carburetor and fuel bowl were broken.