# NTSB BFO88LA048: Cessna 172RG, N6449R, Mathew, VA, May 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1988, 16:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Mathew, VA
- Coordinates: 37.42918, -76.320747 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4292&lon=-76.3207&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11414
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO88LA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11414/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88LA048

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lowering of flaps - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE DID A SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF USING 10 DEGS OF FLAPS. THE ACFT LIFTED OFF AT ABOUT 55 TO 60 KTS BUT ACCORDING TO THE PLT, WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB OUT OF GROUNDEFFECT. SINCE HE WAS TOO FAR DOWN THE RWY TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF THE PLT INCREASED PITCH TO CLIMB; HOWEVER, THE ACFT STALLED, COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND, AND NOSED OVER. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE FLAPS WERE RETRACTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6449R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6449R-2003-07-01), registration cancelled 2003-07-01, S/N 172RG0183, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 172RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172rg) (registry code 2072438) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172RG0183
- Airframe hours: 2520
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-F1A6 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Mideastern Airways Inc.
- Registered owner: Mideastern Airways Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 27, 1988, 24 hours before
- Destination: ORF, NORFOLK, VA
- Airport: 9VA1, Holly Point, runway 25, 2,200 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 7,700 total, 300 in this make and model, 6,500 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHF

## 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 19880514069709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880514069709A), May 14, 1988: Cessna 172RG, Mathews, VA, Substantial damage. Premature rotation. Behind power curve. Increased pitch to miss trees. Stalled nosed over. Short field ops incorrect

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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