# NTSB ATL89LA079: Cessna 172, N8774B, Williamsburg, OH, January 19, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 19, 1989, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Williamsburg, OH
- Coordinates: 39.050956, -84.049842 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0510&lon=-84.0498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7982
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA079
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7982/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA079

## Probable cause

A DEFECTIVE GASKET IN THE FUEL STRAINER WHICH CAUSED A RESTRICTION IN FUEL FLOW DURING CLIMBOUT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,strainer - improper (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT COMPLETED A NORMAL RUNUP BEFORE ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF. DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB THE ACFT STARTED LOSING POWER. THE PLT PUMPED THE THROTTLE TO MAINTAIN POWER, BUT COULD NOT MAINTAIN CLIMB RPM. THE ACFT WAS DITCHED IN 8 FT OF WATER APRX 1/2 MILE FROM THE RWY. EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED THAT THE FUEL STRAINER GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO RUN LEAN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8774B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8774B-2013-05-15), registration cancelled 2013-05-15, S/N 36474, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36474
- Airframe hours: 2720
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arnold D. Skidmore
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1988, 20 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 780 total, 450 in this make and model, 720 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F

## 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 19890119001719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890119001719A), Jan 19, 1989: Cessna 172, Williamsburg, OH, Substantial damage. Engine quit on climbout. Ditched in a pond off end of runway. Fuel strainer gasket defective. Restricted fuel flow.

## Other investigations on N8774B (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC66D0018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC66D0018), May 24, 1965: Cessna 172 (N8774B), Hillsboro, WV, substantial damage

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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