# NTSB BFO91LA062: Cessna 172, N1378U, South Boston, VA, July 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1991, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: South Boston, VA
- Coordinates: 36.700748, -78.899841 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7007&lon=-78.8998&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11688
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO91LA062
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11688/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA062

## Probable cause

THE LOST OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ON APPROACH DESCENT AND WHEN HE ADVANCED THE THROTTLE THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND.  HE LANDED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY WHERE THE AIRPLANE STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT.  POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE INCLUDED AN OPERATIONAL CHECK OF THE ENGINE, WHICH OPERATED SATISFACTORY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1378U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17267049
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wings & Props Flying Club
- Registered owner: Wings & Props Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1991
- Departed: HKY, HICKORY, NC
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: HKY, William M. Tuck, runway 36

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 633 total, 400 in this make and model, 546 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAN, 999 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 19910704025759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910704025759A), Jul 4, 1991: Cessna 172M, South Boston, VA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on approach to runway. Landed short. No defects found. Use of carb heat not given.

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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