Cessna 172 N8306B accident near Hobe Sound, Florida

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to fuel contamination in the carburetor.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, about 20 minutes into the flight, the engine began to lose power. He was able to keep the engine running using the fuel primer knob; however he could not maintain the airplane's altitude. The pilot then performed a forced landing into an orange grove and the airplane nosed over in the soft terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. Two inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the airplane and engine. The carburetor was disassembled and a thick, black and brown, slime-like substance was found in the carburetor bowl, blocking the fuel channel and drain plug. The origin of the contamination was not determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA065 for the full record.