# NTSB CHI85LA146: Cessna 172L, N2839Q, Brighton, MI, March 21, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 21, 1985, 17:05 local (22:05 UTC)
- Place: Brighton, MI
- Coordinates: 42.530124, -83.779983 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5301&lon=-83.7800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13031
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13031/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA146

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXECUTE A GO-AROUND WITH A 90 DEGREE CROSSWIND, VELOCITY 16 KMPH, GUSTING TO 28 KMPH, THE ACFT APPARENTLY STALLED JUST AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE. IT IMPACTED THE GROUND ABOUT 300 FEET WEST OF THE RWY. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE ACFT APPEARED TO TAKE OFF WITH FULL FLAPS EXTENDED. THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT LIST A CROSSWIND VELOCITY BUT DOES STATE THAT 15 KMPH AT 90 DEGREES IS ACCEPTABLE WITH NORMAL PILOTING TECHNIQUES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2839Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172L
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17259839
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E20 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: A.J. Pike
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, March 12, 1985
- Airport: 45G, Brighton, runway 4, 1,800 × 24 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 275 total, 36 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 16 knots, gusting 28
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 14 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PTK, 13 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 19850321011269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850321011269A), Mar 21, 1985: Cessna 172L, Brighton, MI, Substantial damage. Attempted go around with full flaps, stalled and impacted ground. Strong 90 degree crosswind.

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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