# NTSB CHI85LA094: Cessna 172N, N4738G, Holland, MI, November 17, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 17, 1984, 11:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Holland, MI
- Coordinates: 42.770225, -86.099166 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7702&lon=-86.0992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12992
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA094
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12992/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA094

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT A SLIGHT RUDDER PEDAL MISALIGNMENT CAUSED THE ACFT TO RUN OFF THE RWY & INTO A DITCH DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. HE STATED THAT DURING THE FIRST PART OF THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE RUDDER 'DID NOT RESPOND NORMALLY OR AS EXPECTED.' A LATER EXAMINATION REVEALED NOTHING WRONG WITH THE RUDDER PEDAL ALIGNMENT. THE PLT HAD FLOWN ONLY SIX TENTHS OF AN HOUR SOLO FLYING TIME IN THE 90 DAY PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4738G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4738G), registered now, S/N 17273335 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17273335
- Airframe hours: 1800
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-42AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Tulip City Air Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 15, 1984
- Departed: C19, HOLLAND, MI
- Airport: C19, Tulip City, runway 26, 3,930 × 70 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 28 total, 22 in this make and model, 3 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKG

## 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 19841117062399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841117062399A), Nov 17, 1984: Cessna 172N, Holland, MI, Substantial damage. Student lost directional control on takeoff run. Ran off runway and into ditch.

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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