# NTSB CEN17LA090: Cessna 172B, N6941X, Prairie Du Sac, WI, December 28, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: December 28, 2016, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: Prairie Du Sac, WI - Coordinates: 43.297779, -89.755836 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.2978&lon=-89.7558&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Taxi: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 6, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 94666 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN17LA090 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/94666/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94666 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA090 ## Probable cause The pilot's decision to taxi the airplane from the roadway and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from signs and a fence after a successful emergency landing following a total loss of engine power. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring environment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021545/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: sign/marker](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 214 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022015/cases.md) - [Towing and taxiing: taxiing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010920): Aircraft › Aircraft handling/service · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010920/cases.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 27 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010920/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid type; cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid condition; cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Taxi: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) - [Taxi: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172B, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2072406), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot was conducting a local flight. He reported that, during the flight, the engine started to run roughly. He decided to return to the airport for a precautionary landing. About 4 miles from the airport and while lined up for landing, the pilot increased the engine throttle with no response; the airplane lost total power. He decided to land the airplane on a roadway about 1 mile from the airport. After landing on the roadway and coming to a complete stop, the pilot restarted the engine and attempted to taxi off the roadway. While he was taxiing the airplane, it struck three roadway signs and a fence, which resulted in structural damage to the left wing. After the airplane was recovered, small amounts of water were present in the fuel from both wing sumps and the gascolator. The engine was started, ran normally, and both magnetos checked within normal limits. The loss of engine power could have resulted from water in the fuel but the definitive reason could not be determined. Although the pilot landed the airplane successfully on the roadway after having engine power problems, his decision to taxi the airplane from the roadway and his failure to avoid the roadway signs and fence resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. ## Factual narrative On December 28, 2016, about 1230 central standard time, a Cessna 172B single engine airplane, N6941X, registered to a private individual, sustained substantial damage after it struck roadway signs while attempting to taxi after a successful emergency landing near Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Sauk-Prairie Airport (91C), Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin about 1130. The pilot reported that he was flying locally at 4,500 feet after departing from 91C. The engine started to run rough and the pilot applied carburetor heat. He decided to return to the airport for a precautionary landing. About 4 miles from the airport, and lined up for landing on runway 18, the pilot increased the engine throttle but had no response. He decided to land on a roadway about 1 mile from the airport. After landing on the roadway and coming to a stop, the pilot started the engine and attempted to taxi off the roadway. While taxiing, the airplane struck 3 road signs and an iron fence, resulting in structural damage to the left wing. The local Sheriff closed the highway as the airplane was loaded onto a trailer and transported to 91C where it was examined by an FAA inspector. Approximately 4-5 gallons of fuel were present in each wing tank. Small amounts of water were present in the fuel from both wing sumps and the gascolator. The engine was started, ran normally, and both magnetos checked within normal limits. The fuel appeared to be automotive fuel. The pilot confirmed that he used automotive fuel. Review of the logbooks did not disclose that the airplane was approved for the use of automotive fuel. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6941X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6941X-2017-09-20), registration cancelled 2017-09-20, S/N 17247841, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172B (B) - Registry model: [Cessna 172B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172b) (registry code 2072406) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17247841 - Year built: 1960 - Airframe hours: 6357 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-300 SER 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 28, 2016 - Departed: 91C, Prairie Du Sac, WI - Destination: 91C, Prairie Du Sac, WI - Airport: 91C, Sauk-Prairie Airport - Equipment: Stall warning system, Handheld GPS ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review August 22, 2016; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 3,401 total, 3,401 in this make and model, 3,401 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft overcast - Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 29.73 inHg - Observed at: MSN, 15 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 20161228017799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20161228017799A), Dec 28, 2016: Cessna 172B, Prairie Du Sac, WI, Substantial damage. December 28, 2016 a Cessna CE-172B registration number N6941X made an emergency landing on the southbound lane of us highway 12 approximately one mile north of… ## Other investigations on N6941X (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 FTW66F0664](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW66F0664), May 8, 1966: Cessna 172 (N6941X), Newellton, LA, substantial damage ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 19, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94666. 1.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 666 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453383&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 2, .PDF, 4 photos, 344 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453384&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF - Memorandum for the Record - FAA Inspector Report (item 3, .PDF, 60 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453385&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20the%20Record%20-%20FAA%20Inspector%20Report-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.