# NTSB ATL83LA384: Cessna 172K, N79025, Brundidge, AL, September 29, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1983, 17:02 local (22:02 UTC)
- Place: Brundidge, AL
- Coordinates: 31.709371, -85.809349 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.7094&lon=-85.8093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6217
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA384
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6217/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA384

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,line fitting - loose (cause)
  - fuel system,line fitting - leak (cause)
- Fire, standing - engine(s) not operating
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - exhaust system,end plate - separation (contributing factor)
  - fire extinguisher,portable - lack of (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE CRUISING AT 2,000 FT THE PLT SMELLED FUEL FUMES & ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. WHEN WITHIN GLIDING DISTANCE OF THE ARPT, HE SECURED THE ENG WITH THE MIXTURE CONTROL & MADE AN UNEVENTFUL DEADSTICK LANDING. AFTER EXITING THE ACFT HE NOTICED FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE LOWER ENG COWLING IN THE VICINITY OF THE CARB. THE PLT OPENED AN EXCESS DOOR & FLAMES ERUPTED WITHIN. THE ACFT EVENTUALLY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE PLT, WHO IS ALOS AN A&P, PERFORMED THE LAST 100 HR INSP IN 4/83 AT WHICH TIME HE FOUND THAT THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS LOOSE AT THE CARB & HAD TO BE TIGHTENED. ON THEDAY AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE ACFT WAS EXAMINED & THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE WAS FOUND NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE CARB INLET FITTING. THE #3 CYLINDER EXHAUST PIPE WAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE RIGHT SIDE END PLATE OF THE MUFFLER, PROVIDING A POSSIBLESOURCE OF IGNITION FOR ANY FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENG COMPARTMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N79025](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N79025-2013-02-28), registration cancelled 2013-02-28, S/N 17257820, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172K
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17257820
- Airframe hours: 5370
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dennis L. Peterson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1983
- Departed: 71J, OZARK, AL
- Airport: 60A, Brundidge Municipal, runway 7, 3,000 × 80 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 9,065 total, 700 in this make and model, 8,556 as pilot in command, 58 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DHN, 34 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830929052439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830929052439A), Sep 29, 1983: Cessna 172K, Brundidge, AL, Destroyed. Pilot smelled gas fumes and landed. During inspection engine burst out in flames.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.