# NTSB ATL93LA095: Cessna 172, N1497V, Athens, TN, May 22, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 22, 1993, 16:10 local (20:10 UTC)
- Place: Athens, TN
- Coordinates: 35.450878, -84.600555 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4509&lon=-84.6006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 15, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3213
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL93LA095
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3213/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA095

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE TO PRODUCE POWER FOR UNKNOWN REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - single engine aircraft
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - fence
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ADD POWER, WHILE ON SHORT FINAL FOR THE RUNWAY, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESPOND. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE DID NOT REVEAL ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THERE WAS FUEL IN THE AIRCRAFT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Factual narrative

On May 22, 1993, at about 1610 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172, N1497V was substantially damaged following a collision with a fence and terrain during an emergency landing at Athens, Tennessee. Neither the private pilot nor his passenger were injured in the accident. The aircraft was owned by Athens Air Incorporated of Athens, Tennessee, and being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight. The flight departed Murfreesboro, Tennessee at about 1500, and was destined for Athens, Tennessee.

The pilot reported that during his turn from base to final for landing at Athens, the engine lost power and he was forced to execute an emergency landing short of the runway. The aircraft hit a fence short of the runway, and flipped over.

Examination of the aircraft engine did not reveal any mechanical problems. There was fuel in the aircraft at the time of the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1497V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1497V-2007-03-21), registration cancelled 2007-03-21, S/N 17263627, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17263627
- Airframe hours: 3855
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Newman, Andrew T.
- Registered owner: Athens Air Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 14, 1993, 5 hours before
- Departed: MBT, MURFREESBORO, TN
- Airport: MMI, Mcminn County, runway 2, 4,700 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 162 total, 140 in this make and model, 99 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHA, 25 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 19930522033529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930522033529A), May 22, 1993: Cessna 172M, Athens, TN, Substantial damage. Reported engine quit turning base to final. Landed short. Struck a fence. No engine defects found. Fuel onboard.

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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