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C172 pilot experienced an engine failure approaching destination airport at night. The airport was not reachable; the reporter landed safely in a lighted parking lot with minor damage.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 894671 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201005 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1801-2400 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.Airport |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Light | Night |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Descent Initial Approach |
| Route In Use | Visual Approach Direct |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Reciprocating Engine Assembly |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Pilot Flying Single Pilot |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Flight Instructor Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) Flight Crew Instrument |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150 Flight Crew Total 3300 Flight Crew Type 600 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical |
Narrative:
After completing all required performance calculations for the flight; the flight departed at dusk. According to calculations using the aircraft poh; it was determined that the IFR flight time would be 3:59 using 2400 RPM which would yield an 8-8.5 gph fuel burn. The beginning of the flight was in and out of IMC at 4000 ft MSL with light turbulence. The en route phase of the flight was normal and flight time was at or near the planned flight time. Engine gauges read normal and fuel gauges bounced back and forth as they always had in light turbulence; so fuel was timed using my wrist watch; as I had always been taught. A short time after crossing the ZZZ VOR; a request for direct to destination was granted and the flight proceeded direct to destination. After obtaining the ATIS and keying the microphone to verify the lights at the airport; approach control was advised that the airport was 'in sight.' subsequently; the flight was given a descent to 3;000 and shortly there after was cleared for the visual approach and a frequency change to CTAF was issued. As power was reduced to begin a descent to pattern altitude; the engine began to run roughly. During this time; approach was advised of the engine trouble and they noted several areas for a possible landing. The engine failure in flight checklist was completed and it was determined that the airport was not an option. After scanning the area; the metro station was the only option. At that time; I notified approach that I was going to put the aircraft in a 'parking lot.' when landing was assured; I completely shut down the engine and placed the flaps in a landing configuration. The aircraft touched down in the bus lane of the metro station and no one was injured. During the roll-out the right wing struck a small dead tree which made a small dent in the wing approximately 2 feet from the wing-tip. I secured the aircraft; exited; and waited for assistance which soon arrived.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: C172 pilot experienced an engine failure approaching destination airport at night. The airport was not reachable; the reporter landed safely in a lighted parking lot with minor damage.
Narrative: After completing all required performance calculations for the flight; the flight departed at dusk. According to calculations using the aircraft POH; it was determined that the IFR flight time would be 3:59 using 2400 RPM which would yield an 8-8.5 GPH fuel burn. The beginning of the flight was in and out of IMC at 4000 FT MSL with light turbulence. The en route phase of the flight was normal and flight time was at or near the planned flight time. Engine gauges read normal and fuel gauges bounced back and forth as they always had in light turbulence; so fuel was timed using my wrist watch; as I had always been taught. A short time after crossing the ZZZ VOR; a request for direct to destination was granted and the flight proceeded direct to destination. After obtaining the ATIS and keying the microphone to verify the lights at the airport; Approach Control was advised that the airport was 'in sight.' Subsequently; the flight was given a descent to 3;000 and shortly there after was cleared for the visual approach and a frequency change to CTAF was issued. As power was reduced to begin a descent to pattern altitude; the engine began to run roughly. During this time; Approach was advised of the engine trouble and they noted several areas for a possible landing. The engine failure in flight checklist was completed and it was determined that the airport was not an option. After scanning the area; the Metro station was the only option. At that time; I notified Approach that I was going to put the aircraft in a 'parking lot.' When landing was assured; I completely shut down the engine and placed the flaps in a landing configuration. The aircraft touched down in the bus lane of the Metro station and no one was injured. During the roll-out the right wing struck a small dead tree which made a small dent in the wing approximately 2 feet from the wing-tip. I secured the aircraft; exited; and waited for assistance which soon arrived.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.