Cessna Safety Record

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during taxi, and his subsequent failure to maintain control after the inadvertent takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of flight experience.

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point during landing and his delay in initiating a successful go-around, which resulted in a loss of airspeed and an aerodynamic stall.

The loss of directional control during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to take off with 40-degrees of flaps and with a tailwind.

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's inadequate fuel management. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper engine restart procedures.

A total loss of engine power during the initial climb due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to properly monitor the airplane's fuel quantity and to correctly ascertain the fuel on board the airplane prior to takeoff.

A defective alternator wire splice that resulted in an intermittent electrical system malfunction and erroneous fuel gauge readings, and, a loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.

The passenger’s failure to avoid the rotating propeller after exiting the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to include deplaning procedures as part of the passenger safety briefing.

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, resulting in an inadvertent stall, during a landing attempt. Contributing to the accident was the gusty crosswinds.

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, resulting in a stall and collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent experience.

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was a fuel tank cap that did not seal properly.

The pilot's improper decision to take off in a heavily loaded airplane under the ambient conditions that existed at the time. Contributing to the accident was the mountainous/hilly terrain, a high density altitude, gusty winds and downdrafts.

The pilot's improper preflight and in-flight planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's loss of situational awareness while conducting the normal and emergency checklists during his turn from base to final approach, and the dark night condition.

The pilot's failure to maintain proper glide angle during the landing approach which resulted in a collision with a pole. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's lack of qualification, experience and the high density altitude.

On August 26, 2008, about 1100 local time, a Cessna 172, Ecuadorian registration HC-BKY, registered to an operated by Wings of Hope Incorporated, as a medical transport flight, crashed following a loss of engine power, while in cruise flight to Rio Amazonas Airport, Pastaza, Ecuador. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantial damage. The private-rated pilot and passenger received serious injuries. According to information obtained from the Ecuadorian Subdireccion de Aviacion Civil, the pilot reported total loss of engine power, while in cruise flight. He conducted an emergency landing, and crashed into trees. This investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Ecuador. Any further information can be obtained from: Direccion General de Aviacion Civil Buenos Aires 149 Y 10 de Agusto P.O. Box 2077 Quito, Republica del Ecuador Phone: 593-2-223-8981 Fax; 593-2- 223-8352 This information is for informational purposes only, and contains information released by, or obtained for the Government of Ecuador.