Cessna 172 N172BX accident near Taylor, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that resulted in a loss of engine power due to water contamination.

NTSB analysis

During the preflight inspection, the pilot, who is the airplane owner, obtained fuel samples from the two wing fuel tanks and the fuel strainer. He observed that the “normal gunk,” such as little pieces of dirt, came out during this process. There were no other concerns noted during the preflight inspection.

The airplane entered the traffic pattern for a touch and go landing. During the takeoff, with full power applied about 300 ft agl, the engine sustained a total loss of power. Due to the limited forced landing options available, the pilot decided to land the airplane to a flat grass field near the end of the runway. The airplane impacted the grass field, bounced, and continued past the grass field. The airplane came to rest upright in a large steep ditch, near the departure end of the runway. The ditch, which was filled with fresh water, was about 4 to 5 ft deep. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The airplane sat in the water for one day before it was recovered; the engine, the propeller, and the cockpit were submerged in water, and the wings were not submerged in the water.

A postaccident fuel sample from the right wing fuel tank showed a semi-cloudy clear liquid present with a small translucent mass, with debris, at the bottom of the fuel sample device.

The mechanic who performed the most recent airframe and engine annual inspection on the airplane about 2 months before the accident, reported that a “small amount” of water was drained from the wing fuel tanks and the gascolator during that pervious maintenance work.

The airplane was stored outside year-round at the airport.

Based on the available evidence, it is likely that water entered the fuel system for unknown reasons. The water contamination found in the fuel system was likely introduced into the carburetor, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA084 for the full record.