Cessna 172P N52708 accident near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power following a loss of oil pressure for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had just departed the airport when the engine completely lost oil pressure. Shortly afterward, the engine seized. The pilot performed a forced landing on a nearby mesa. During the descent, smoke was present both inside and outside the cockpit, with the majority of the smoke outside. During landing, the airplane impacted a short rock wall. When the pilot and passenger exited the airplane, smoke and flames were coming from the engine compartment. Most of the airplane was consumed during the ensuing fire. The airplane had experienced an oil leak; the oil cooler had been replaced the day before the accident. A postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal the source of an oil leak.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA449 for the full record.