What happened
On 20 August 2012, a Cessna FR172J Reims Rocket, registration G-BDOE, was performing a private flight near Truro, Cornwall. The flight lasted approximately 55 minutes, and the aircraft was approaching a private farm strip for landing. The weather conditions were favorable, with a 10-knot south-westerly wind.
As the pilot prepared for the landing, the aircraft was configured with full flaps and power was increased to manage the approach. The flight path involved crossing a small valley, which typically creates a known area of sink. During this phase of the approach, the engine failed to respond to the increased throttle. While a bystander nearby noted an increase in engine RPM immediately after the flaps were deployed, the engine subsequently failed to produce further noise before the aircraft struck a hedge in the undershoot area. The pilot attempted to raise the nose of the aircraft to clear the obstacle, but the aircraft struck the hedge before coming to rest on the grass runway beyond. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained damage to its propeller, landing gear, wing, and tail.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the engine performance and the aircraft's configuration at the time of the incident. It was noted that the engine's throttle was found in the fully open position following the event. The investigation also considered the flight's environmental factors, including the terrain and the wind conditions present during the approach.