Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 145; Flight Crew Type 145
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted
Human Factors; Weather; Aircraft
I was in cruising flight when I experienced rapid and substantial loss/gains in RPMs. At the time I was unsure if the situation was going to continue or get worse and felt it was necessary to land immediately. I contacted [the closest] tower and requested to land as I was fearful the engine might quit. I landed safely and contacted my flight instructor. He came to meet me and after performing multiple tests on the ground we determined the plane was safe to fly back to [home airport].
The pilot of a C172 reported the loss of engine power that resulted in a successful landing at an intermediate airport. The loss of power could not be duplicated.