# NTSB ATL88LA038: Cessna 172A, N7623T, Dayton, OH, November 15, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 15, 1987, 17:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Dayton, OH
- Coordinates: 39.660438, -84.239303 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6604&lon=-84.2393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7676
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7676/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA038

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPTD THAT THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND LOSE POWER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. A FORCED LDG WAS SUBSEQUENTLY MADE IN A NEARBY RIVER. THE ACFT NOSED OVER ON LDG AND CAME TO REST PARTIALLY SUBMERGED IN ABOUT 4 FEET OF WATER. POST-CRASH EXAM OF THE AIRPLANE AFTER IT WAS RECOVERED FROM THE RIVER REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE ENGINE RAN SATISFACTORILY ON FUEL REMAINING IN THE ACFT FUEL TANKS, AFTER WATER WAS DRAINED FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM AND ENGINE. THERE WERE EXTENSIVE RAIN SHOWERS IN THE AREA. THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING OPERATED IN CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO CARBURETOR ICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7623T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7623T), registered now, S/N 47223, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172A
- Registry model: [Cessna 172A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172a) (registry code 2072404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 47223
- Airframe hours: 3910
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dwight J. Fullerton
- Registered owner: Fullerton, Dwight J
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 14, 1987, 43 hours before
- Airport: I73, Moraine Air Park

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 168 total, 51 in this make and model, 108 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAY, 12 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 19871115064939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871115064939A), Nov 15, 1987: Cessna 172A, Dayton, OH, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Landed in a river and nosed over. Loose fuel caps and recent rain. Suspect water in fuel.

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.

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