Accident Overview
On July 8, 2019, at about 1700 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N9919V, experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight and subsequently made a forced landing on hilly, sand-covered terrain near Newport, Oregon. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The private pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries, while another passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, and no flight plan had been filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. According to the pilot, the airplane had not undergone an annual inspection in about three years; the most recent annual inspection was completed on June 2, 2015. The pilot also stated that he had not completed a biennial flight review in five or six years and did not possess a current medical certificate. FAA records indicated that the pilot's most recent third-class medical certificate was issued on July 30, 2004, with a corrective lenses requirement, and expired on July 31, 2006.
Accident Sequence
The flight departed Newport Municipal Airport (KONP) for a local whale watching flight. After locating and circling a pod of whales, the pilot decided to return to KONP. While in level cruise flight at about 1,200 ft above mean sea level, the engine began to surge, with RPM fluctuating between 2,100 and 2,600 rpm. The pilot attempted to correct the surging by switching fuel tanks, enriching the fuel mixture, and applying full throttle, but these actions did not resolve the issue. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot selected an area of hilly, sand-covered terrain for an emergency landing to avoid harm to persons on the ground. During the landing, the airplane sustained substantial structural damage.
Post-Accident Examination
Wreckage recovery personnel reported that no fuel was recovered from the airplane's wing tanks or fuel lines. The pilot indicated that the carburetor float had been replaced and noted previous mechanical issues, including a fuel drain that was difficult to close and carburetor fuel leakage. He stated that he had visually verified fuel quantity two days before the accident (about half tanks) and the day before (gauges indicated ¾ and ¼ full), but acknowledged the possibility of fuel exhaustion.
An FAA examination revealed that the main fuel line to the carburetor had separated at the carburetor casting during the accident sequence, and the strainer cable had stretched, releasing any contents in the gascolator. No fluid was found in the remainder of the fuel system, including the carburetor bowl. The carburetor half screws were found loose and not torqued, with evidence of fuel leakage at the carburetor half seam.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather reporting facility was Newport Municipal Airport. At 1750, the METAR reported wind from 310 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 62°F, dew point 57°F, and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of mercury.