On August 29, 2024, a Cessna 172N, registration N734SY, was conducting a Part 91 test flight when the engine suffered a total power loss. The aircraft was operating in visual meteorological conditions with 10 miles of visibility and winds from 160 degrees at 6 knots.
What happened
Following a normal preflight inspection and engine run-up, the pilot taxied to runway 10 at Falwell Airport (W24) in Lynchburg, Virginia. During the initial climb, the pilot established an airspeed of 80 knots. Upon reaching approximately 1,300 feet above mean sea level, the engine experienced a complete loss of power and seized, causing the propeller to stop within three seconds.
The pilot initiated a left turn toward the airport, seeking open areas. While communicating a “Mayday” distress call on the common traffic advisory frequency, the aircraft flew over residential backyards. As the pilot attempted to land in an open area behind a hotel, the left wing struck a tree, causing the airplane to yaw 90 degrees. The aircraft then impacted the ground, bounced, struck the ground a second time, and slid to a stop. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft through the right passenger door.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of N734SY showed substantial damage. The fuselage exhibited buckling and wrinkling on the right side, and the front windscreen was broken. The left wing was bent and wrinkled with crush damage to the leading edge, and the left aileron and flap were damaged. The nose landing gear sheared during impact, and both main landing gears were also sheared off.
An inspection of the engine and fuel systems revealed the following:
- The fuel strainer contained a fine, sandy, red-tinted material at the bottom of the bowl.
- The carburetor contained minor debris in the bowl, though the main jet was clear.
- The oil filter contained minor amounts of ferrous and non-ferrous metal.
- The suction screen was missing from the oil sump.
- The engine air bracket filter and the heater muff sustained crush damage from the impact.
- All spark plugs were functional and showed no damage.
- No blockages were found in the intake or exhaust valves, and compression was present on all four cylinders.