Accident Overview
On August 11, 2023, at approximately 1410 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P airplane, registration N5453K, was substantially damaged during an accident near Port Norris, New Jersey. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported departing with about 18 gallons of fuel. While flying at 3,000 ft mean sea level over Delaware Bay, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot configured the airplane for best glide and prepared for a water ditching. His personal flotation vest became entangled with the seat belt and headset wire, and he felt he did not have sufficient time to consult the emergency procedures checklist. An attempt to restart the engine was unsuccessful. Shortly after declaring an emergency, the engine regained power. The pilot then aimed for Millville Municipal Airport (MIV) in Millville, New Jersey, while climbing from 1,200 ft. However, the engine lost power again. The pilot established best glide speed and performed a forced landing in a farm field. After touchdown, the nose landing gear dug into the soil, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The airplane was found inverted, but the fuel caps were secured and no fuel leakage was observed. The left wing fuel tank was intact and contained about 1.5 gallons of fuel. The right wing tank contained about 10 gallons of fuel. According to the Cessna 172P Pilot’s Operating Handbook, the standard fuel tank configuration includes 1.5 gallons of unusable fuel per tank.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported that after the accident, he checked the fuel selector and found it in the "LEFT" tank position. He stated that he had been operating the engine on only one tank.