Accident Details
On April 14, 2024, about 2330 eastern daylight time, a Cessna R172E, registration N3FR, was substantially damaged when it struck power lines during a forced landing near Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The pilot sustained no injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight.
Preflight and Flight
The pilot fueled the accident airplane and an escort airplane at Delaware Airpark (33N), Dover, Delaware. He performed a full preflight inspection, including visual checks of the fuel tanks, and an engine runup with no anomalies. Departing 33N at 2030 for Rocky Mount/Wilson Regional Airport (RWI) with 46 gallons of fuel, the flight proceeded uneventfully until nearly 3 hours later. Shortly after reducing engine power and applying carburetor heat to begin descent into RWI, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot verified the fuel selector on BOTH, turned on the auxiliary fuel pump, enrichened the mixture, and attempted engine restarts with carburetor heat on and off, but power was not regained. He executed a forced landing to a lit road, impacting power lines before coming to rest near an intersection.
Wreckage Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. The main wreckage rested at a 45° angle, with substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage. No evidence of fire was found.
Fuel and Engine Examination
Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed the left fuel tank was breached. Fuel from the left wing was free of contaminants. Rust was present at both fuel filler ports. Debris and water contamination were found in fuel recovered from the gascolator and carburetor bowls.
Engine examination showed continuity of the crankshaft to rear accessory gears and valvetrain. Suction and compression were achieved on three of four cylinders. Borescope inspection revealed the intake valve stuck open on cylinder No. 3 and circumferential markings on cylinder Nos. 1 and 3 walls. Piston rings were visible at the piston face edges and did not appear properly seated. Magnetos sparked on all leads when rotated.
Maintenance and Water Contamination History
Maintenance records indicated the engine was overhauled on January 7, 2022. The day of the accident, a mechanic completed an annual inspection at 1.0 hours since major overhaul. The mechanic, also the pilot of the escort airplane, stated the airplane had not been flown for 2 years after the overhaul. Prior to the accident flight, the mechanic and accident pilot found “a lot of water in the fuel” at Beverly Regional Airport (BVY), Beverly, Massachusetts. They fully fueled the airplane, let it sit overnight, shook the wings thoroughly, and sumped the fuel to drain water. They also ran the engine on the ground for 2 hours before departing on a multi-leg trip to Rocky Mount. At the first fuel stop, about 1 tablespoon of water was drained; at the next stop, about 2 drops from the left wing and none from the fuel strainer. The accident flight was the third leg of that trip.
Fuel System Guidance
FAA Advisory Circular 20-125, “Water in Aviation Fuels,” emphasizes draining aircraft fuel tank sumps and other drains during preflight inspection to ensure fuel is free of water. It notes that fuel tank sumps trap water and may require gently rocking the wings to completely drain water from the system.