CESSNA 172

Full Narrative

On May 8, 2025, about 1930 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172E airplane, N5405T, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Florida City, Florida. The commercial pilot was not injured and the private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The purpose of the flight was for the pilots to build flight experience, with the commercial pilot practicing simulated instrument meteorological conditions in the left seat, while the private pilot acted as a safety pilot in the right seat. The flight departed North Perry Airport (HWO), Hollywood, Florida, about 1733, with 38 gallons of fuel. It proceeded out over the Florida Keys and back, with the intended destination of Naples Municipal Airport (APF), Naples, Florida. Near the destination, as the commercial pilot made a left turn, the engine became silent, and she noticed the engine speed indicated below 1,000 rpm. She applied carburetor heat, with no success. She then transferred control to the private pilot so that she could use the Engine Start checklist to attempt to restart the engine. After two unsuccessful restart attempts, the private pilot performed a forced landing in a swamp and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted.

The private pilot reported that there was no jolt or vibration before the engine became silent. Both pilots reported that the fuel selector handle was positioned to Both for the entire flight, and the private pilot reported that he moved it to Off after the accident when he secured the airplane, which also included turning off the master switch and ignition key.

Postaccident examination of the wreckage 3 days later revealed that it had sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The inspection noted that the left wing fuel tank contained only residual fuel, and the right wing fuel tank vent was still leaking fuel, consistent with several gallons remaining in the right wing fuel tank. It was also noted that the 1964 Cessna model 172E fuel selector placarding was different from other Cessna model 172 airplanes and not as intuitive (see figure).


Figure. Fuel selector as found. (Source: FAA)

When asked what clock position the selector handle should be in to select both fuel tanks, the commercial pilot stated 11 o’clock; however, the Both selection was 12 o’clock, and 11 o’clock was between the Both and Left fuel tank selections. Additionally, the private pilot moved the fuel selector handle to the 4:30 position (between Off and Right fuel tank) to turn the fuel off; however, Off was at the 6 o’clock position. The commercial pilot reported that more awareness of the specific aircraft model differences (Cessna 172E versus Cessna 172S) could have prevented the accident.

The wreckage was subsequently transported to a recovery facility where a successful test run of the engine was performed. Once fuel was introduced to the engine, it was started on the airframe and ran continuously.