# NTSB CHI84LA378: Cessna 320B, Clear Lake, MN, September 6, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1984, 19:30 local (Sep 6, 1984, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Clear Lake, MN
- Coordinates: 45.440933, -93.990592 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4409&lon=-93.9906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12763
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA378
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12763/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA378

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - maintenance - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control - binding(mechanical) (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - proper descent rate - excessive, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

FOLLOWING MAINT ON AN AIR VENT THE MECHANIC FAILED TO SECURE THE MAP COMPARTMENT. THE ASS'Y INTERFERED WITH THE REARWARD MOVEMENT OF THE CONTROL YOKE ON ROTATION FOR TAKEOFF LIMITING THE CLIMB RATE AND RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH THE TREES. THE FLT PROCEEDED TO IT'S DEST WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. DURING THE LANDING FLARE AT 180 MPH THE NOSE DROPPED DESPITE FULL BACK STICK. THE ACFT LANDED HARD AND BOUNCED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ROLLING TO A STOP ON THE RWY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N32ORD (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 320B
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 320B0035
- Airframe hours: 2845
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-470-C 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Avator Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 4, 1984
- Departed: 8Y6, CLEAR LAKE, MN
- Destination: STC, ST. CLOUD, MN
- Airport: Leake Clear Lake, runway 36, 300 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,250 total, 91 in this make and model, 1,158 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

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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