# NTSB CHI83LA035: Cessna 172, N5301D, Port Hope, MI, November 7, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 7, 1982, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Port Hope, MI
- Location: 43.9394° N, 82.7150° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Port Hope, MI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.9394&lon=-82.7150&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72287
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA035
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72287/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA035

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT ESTIMATED THAT THE WIND WAS FROM 210 TO 220 DEG AT 15 KTS. HE REPORTED THAT THE GRASS RUNWAY WAS SOFT AND WET. FOR TAKEOFF ON RUNWAY 18, HE USED 10 DEG OF FLAPS AND ABOUT 1/2 OF THE AVAILABLE AILERON WHILE USING A SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF PROCEDURE. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED A SUDDEN GUST OF WIND AND THE PLANE BEGAN TO DRIFT LEFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5301D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5301D-2025-04-19), registration cancelled 2025-04-19, S/N 17272503, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17272553
- Airframe hours: 714
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: K.M. Messerang
- Registered owner: Swedair Inc.
- Departed: 6Y2, PORT HOPE, MI
- Destination: PONTIAC, MI
- Airport: 6Y2, Air Port Hope, runway 18, 2,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 113 total, 27 in this make and model, 84 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 215° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Temperature: 131 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MBS, 56 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 19821107058589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821107058589A), Nov 7, 1982: Cessna 172N, Port Hope, MI, Substantial damage. Pilot lost directional control during attempt to abort takeoff, wing hit tree.

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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