Cessna 172N ditches in sea following engine failure

Casualties unknown • 6 miles south of the Isles of Scilly, GB

A private flight involving a Cessna 172N ended in a ditching 6 miles south of the Isles of Scilly after the engine stopped due to suspected fuel exhaustion.

What happened

On 4 October 2003, a Cesslam 172N, registration G-BUAN, was participating in a Fleet Air Arm Squadron fly-in. While en-route from Lands End to the Isles of Scilly at 2,000 feet, the engine suddenly ceased operation. The pilot attempted standard engine failure procedures, but the engine could not be restarted. After notifying St Mary's ATC of the intention to ditch, the aircraft impacted the surface of a wave crest while facing a 12-knot headwind.

Following the impact, the two passengers successfully exited the aircraft. The pilot, however, became momentarily trapped after catching his foot on the cockpit coaming, only managing to free himself as the aircraft sank to a depth of roughly 10 feet. The occupants were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel and subsequently airlifted to a hospital by a search and rescue helicopter. The aircraft sank and was not recovered. The incident resulted in one injury to the crew and one injury to a passenger.

The investigation

The investigation examined the engine failure and the fuel state of the aircraft. While some speculated that a failure of the single magneto drive might have caused a simultaneous double magneto failure, the investigators could not rule out other unidentified engine issues.

Crucially, the investigation reviewed the aircraft's flight history since its last confirmed refuelling on 20 August 2003. Analysis of the flight logs and fuel consumption estimates indicated that the aircraft was likely operating with extremely low reserves. Based on conservative performance figures, it was estimated that the aircraft had no more than 1.6 US gallons of fuel remaining at the time of the engine failure.

Findings

  • The engine failure occurred while the aircraft was at 2,000 feet during a private flight.
  • There was no documentary evidence to confirm that the aircraft had been refuelled since 20 August 2003.
  • Fuel exhaustion is the most likely cause of the engine failure, as calculations suggest the fuel level was critically low.
  • A passenger's visual estimate of the fuel levels was not verified by a dipstick measurement.

Probable cause

The engine failure was likely caused by fuel exhaustion, as the aircraft had flown multiple sectors without documented refuelling, leaving a negligible fuel reserve.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-10-04 Cessna 172N, accident near 6 miles south of the Isles of Scilly, GB?

A private flight involving a Cessna 172N ended in a ditching 6 miles south of the Isles of Scilly after the engine stopped due to suspected fuel exhaustion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-10-04 involved a Cessna 172N,, registration G-BUAN, at 6 miles south of the Isles of Scilly, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was likely caused by fuel exhaustion, as the aircraft had flown multiple sectors without documented refuelling, leaving a negligible fuel reserve.

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