Accident Overview
On May 27, 2024, about 1520 central daylight time, a Cessna 172P, registration N658NV, was substantially damaged in an accident near Citronelle, Alabama. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight.
Flight History
According to the Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector, the owner arranged for the pilot to recover the airplane from a maintenance facility after an annual inspection. The owner reported the airplane had been idle for 25 years before purchase. The pilot flew the airplane for about 45 minutes, returned to the airport for fuel, then departed from Copiah County Airport (M11), Crystal Springs, Mississippi, en route to Peter Prince Airport (2R4), Milton, Florida.
Pilot's Account
Local law enforcement reported that at the scene the pilot stated he had "lost his engine" and performed a forced landing. In a written statement, the pilot said the airplane was in cruise configuration when the engine "surged slightly a few times" before running "erratically." He described remedial actions to restore full engine power while maneuvering toward a suitable forced landing site that was "beyond gliding distance." The engine stopped producing power, and he "stretched" the glide but "lacked the energy for a proper flare," resulting in a hard landing.
Aircraft Damage and Configuration
Photographs revealed damage to the underside of the engine compartment, a separated nose landing gear, and left wingtip damage. The propeller remained attached, with one blade bent aft. The cockpit and cabin lacked copilot and rear seats, carpeting, and interior trim panels. Unsecured insulation was exposed, with one blanket hanging from the ceiling. Instruments and radios were labeled "Inop" across the panel.
Engine Examination
The airplane was recovered to a secure facility. The engine was run using a temporary fuel cell; no anomalies were noted. A magneto check using the airplane's switch showed a drop of about 125 to 150 rpm. The magneto P-leads were removed, and two separated wires were installed for a second run bypassing the switch; no anomalies were noted, and rpm drops were consistent. Four engine runs total were performed. The engine started without delay and ran smoothly from 700 to 2,600 rpm. Fuel pressure was 2 psi (6 psi with boost pump), and oil pressure was in the normal range.
Fuel System Findings
During a field test with low-pressure air, the fuel tank vent tube near the left wing leading edge was found obstructed. Further examination revealed the obstruction was compacted organic material consistent with mud dauber nesting. According to the manufacturer's Model 172 Series Service Manual, if stoppage of the fuel vent or vent bleed hole occurs, the engine can lose power and eventually stop due to fuel starvation.