Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power due to a failure of the dual magneto system. Contributing to the accident was the improper maintenance of the duel magneto system.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the engine experienced a partial loss of power while the airplane was in cruise flight. After the pilot unsuccessfully attempted to restore engine power, he made a forced landing to a cornfield. Postaccident examination of the dual magneto system revealed that the four screws designed to hold the magneto points in their operational positions were loose, which caused both magneto points to remain in the closed position as the center cam was rotated and likely resulted in the partial loss of engine power. Airplane maintenance records indicated that the airplane had been flown 8 hours since its last annual inspection about 5 1/2 months before the accident. No further information about the maintenance was available.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA374 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 16, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rockville, Indiana
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N13SK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.