Accident Overview
On May 10, 2022, at approximately 1726 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172S airplane, registration N184NW, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan. The airplane was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. The flight instructor and the pilot receiving instruction were not injured.
Flight Details
According to representatives of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC), the pilot receiving instruction was flying the airplane as part of the college's flight school program. The flight was on a visual approach to runway 18 at TVC when the engine experienced a total loss of power. The flight instructor assumed control and made multiple unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine. After declaring an emergency, the instructor executed a forced landing to a park area approximately 1 mile north of the runway. During the landing, the airplane struck terrain and a perimeter fence.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing and engine mount. Inspection of the engine and fuel system identified a loose "B" nut fitting on the fuel line connecting the fuel injector to the fuel manifold. No visible impact damage was noted on the "B" nut or the fitting. NMC representatives reported that the airplane had flown for about 2.7 hours since the engine was installed by college maintenance personnel.