Accident Details
On March 23, 2021, at approximately 0900 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S airplane (registration N2164Z) was substantially damaged during an accident near Everett, Washington. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that he planned a flight from Paine Field (PAE) in Everett to Yakima, Washington. After completing a preflight check and verifying that each wing tank was nearly full, he taxied to the runway. During the takeoff roll, the airplane accelerated to about 55 knots, at which point he began the initial climb. Several seconds later, at an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level, the engine began to sputter and felt as though it “choked.” The pilot initiated a left turn to land on the parallel runway to the east. During the turn, the engine lost all power, and he was unable to maintain altitude. The airplane collided with trees and came to rest about 500 feet east of the threshold for runway 34L.
Aircraft Examination
A post-accident examination revealed that throttle and mixture control continuity was established from the cockpit controls to the fuel servo, with full range of motion when actuated by hand. The mixture control cable was separated from the rod end, which remained attached to the fuel servo mixture arm; this damage was consistent with impact. Visual inspection of the fuel system showed continuity from the main fuel tanks through to the gascolator fuel fitting at the firewall. When the electric fuel pump was activated, fuel expelled from the fitting. The gascolator contained minor debris, and a water test with finding paste was negative.
Engine Examination
The engine's crankshaft was rotated by hand, and continuity was established throughout the engine and valve train. A lighted borescope inspection of the cylinders revealed no anomalies. Examination of the fuel flow divider and servo showed no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The mechanical fuel pump exhibited cracking along the outer edge of the oil diaphragm and a tear about ½ inch in length near the center. Oil was observed in the compensator diaphragm chamber, but the fuel diaphragm was intact, and the fuel valves remained in place and were unremarkable. The manufacturer stated that the tear and cracking on the oil diaphragm would not have adversely affected the engine’s ability to produce power. Examination of the recovered airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.