Cessna 172P N658NV accident near Citronelle, Alabama

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of a fuel vent line that was clogged by an insect nest.

NTSB analysis

The owner reported that the airplane had been idle for 25 years before he purchased it and had an annual inspection performed. The accident pilot, who was a friend of the owner, then performed a 45-minute local flight before departing on the accident flight to take the airplane from Mississippi to Florida.

The pilot stated that, during cruise flight, the engine began to surge and run erratically before it lost all power. The pilot selected a field for a forced landing, but “lacked the energy for a proper flare,” and the airplane landed hard, resulting in substantial damage.

Examination of the cockpit and cabin area revealed that the copilot and rear seats were not installed. There was no carpeting nor interior trim panels installed, and unsecured insulation was exposed. One blanket of insulation hung free from the ceiling. Instruments and radios were labeled “Inop” across the instrument panel. A postaccident test run of the engine revealed no anomalies.

The fuel tank vent tube located near the leading edge of the left wing was found obstructed by a compacted organic material consistent with mud dauber nesting. According to the manufacturer, a blocked fuel vent can result in fuel starvation, a loss of engine power, and complete engine stoppage.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA232 for the full record.