Spruce Creek Airport
Aircraft Accident/Incident Report

Spruce Creek, Florida 32128
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 20:21 EDT

On September 10, 2014, about 2021 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N63835, operated by Liao Aviation, Inc., was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and terrain following a total loss of engine power on approach to Spruce Creek Airport (7FL6), Spruce Creek, Florida. The instructor pilot/owner-operator and the commercial-rated pilot receiving instruction sustained minor injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a composite VFR/IFR flight plan was filed for the instructional flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Both pilots were interviewed by telephone, and each provided written statements. According to the instructor, the purpose of the flight was to log a number of approaches for the pilot receiving instruction in order to meet certificate requirements in his home country. The airplane departed 7FL6, flew to West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI), Vero Beach, Florida (VRB), and returned to 7FL6. The crew performed touch-and-go landings at PBI and VRB and the airplane was on final approach for 7FL6 when the engine stopped producing power. The instructor said he then attempted an engine restart and ensured that best glide speed was maintained before the airplane struck trees and the ground. The instructor held an instructor pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine and instrument airplane. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first-class medical certificate was issued on July 3, 2013, and he reported 250 hours of flight experience on that date. When interviewed, he reported about 400 total hours of flight experience, of which, approximately 300 hours were in the accident airplane make and model. The pilot receiving instruction held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA first class medical certificate was issued July 15, 2011. According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1981. Its most recent 100-hour inspection was completed December 11, 2013, at 8,312 total aircraft hours. At 2053, the weather conditions reported at Daytona Beach, Florida, 6 miles west of the accident location, included few clouds at 2,400 feet, visibility 10 miles, temperature 27 degrees C, dewpoint 23 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.03 inches of mercury. The wind was from 080 degrees at 6 knots. The wreckage was examined by an FAA inspector at the accident site, which revealed a separated right wing and damage to the cabin and empennage. Control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces, and the examination revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies. The left wing tank was intact, and contained no fuel. The right wing tank was intact, and contained about 3 gallons of fuel. An aircraft recovery specialist with FAA pilot and mechanic certificates harvested the fuel from the right tank, and placed it in the left fuel tank after the airplane was set upright. Using the airplane's own battery, an engine start was attempted. The engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously until stopped by the specialist at the controls.

Not Yet Reported