Cessna 172D accident near Quinton, Virginia, June 16, 2018
On June 16, 2018 at about 8:00 pm local time, a 1963 Cessna 172D, registered N2777U, was substantially damaged in an accident during initial climb near Quinton, Virginia (New Kent County Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- June 16, 2018 · about 8:00 pm local time
- Place
- Quinton, Virginia · New Kent County Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Cessna 172D D, built 1963 · all 172Ds on the register
- Registration
- N2777U · no longer on the register · serial 17250377
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot stated that he conducted a preflight inspection, during which he sampled the fuel and recovered about 4 ounces of water. He then performed an engine run-up and taxied to the runway for departure. During the climbout, when the airplane was about 100 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing, and the airplane collided with trees. The fuselage, wings, and empennage were substantially damaged during the impact. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed a large bird nest in the engine cowling and cabin air intakes. The condition of the engine air intake could not be determined due to impact damage. The propeller was able to rotate and valvetrain continuity and the operation of the magnetos was confirmed. Given the available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during initial climb defining event
- Off-field or emergency landing during emergency descent
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during landing
The NTSB's findings
- cause Not determined › Not determined › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 300 hours in all; 150 in this make and model
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Last inspection: annual inspection, October 9, 2017; 3,939 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 2,300 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Cont Motor O-300 SER (piston); 3,939 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: W96 Quinton VA at 8:00 pm
- Destination: UKT Quakertown PA
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 29, 3,603 ft by 75 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: scat at 7,000 ft
- Temperature: 86°F (30°C), dew point 63°F (17°C)
- Altimeter: 30.02 inHg
- Observation at 8:15 pm from W96
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
6 documents, released by the NTSB on March 19, 2021. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 11 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Pilot's Statement | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 3 | Memorandum of Record FAA Examination | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 4 | Maintenance Records | PDF, 2 pages | View Download |
| 5 | Weather Reports and Records | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 6 | Photo Array | PDF, 4 pages | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.