Cessna 172 N1188L accident near Westhampton Beach, New York

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

During a cross-country flight, the engine lost all power when the airplane was at an altitude of 3,000 ft mean sea level; however, the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot diverted toward an airport located about 5 miles west of the airplane’s position. He also attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. During the glide to the diversion airport, the airplane impacted trees just before the intended landing runway and came to rest upright against the airport perimeter fence.

Postaccident examination of the engine and its accessories revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, about 35 gallons of fuel were drained after the accident, and fuel remained throughout the fuel system. As a result, the cause of the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence for this investigation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA029 for the full record.