Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because neither postaccident visual examinations nor test runs of the engine revealed any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoff and landings. While on the final leg of the traffic pattern for a second landing, the pilot realized that the airspeed was slow and added engine power. The engine did not respond, and, it subsequently experienced a total loss of power. After attempting to restart the engine, the pilot configured the airplane for its best glide speed and chose to land in the grass short of the runway. The airplane touched down in the grass and traveled over the airport perimeter road before coming to rest. Fuel samples obtained from the airplane immediately following the accident revealed no evidence of contamination. Neither postaccident visual examinations nor test runs of the engine revealed any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13LA291 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 19, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clearwater, Florida
- Nearest airport
- St Petersburg-Clearwater Intl (PIE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N426SJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.