# NTSB CHI85LA264: Cessna 172H, N3859R, Coleman, WI, June 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1985, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Coleman, WI
- Coordinates: 44.890281, -87.860702 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.8903&lon=-87.8607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13119
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA264
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13119/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA264

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED ON A SHORT X-COUNTRY FLT. STATED FUEL ABOARD WAS 8 GLS. PILOT DIVERTED FROM DRCT FLT AND RAN OUT OF FUEL AFTER ONE HOUR AIRBORNE. LD IN FARM FIELD. STRUCK A POST WITH RESULTANT SUB DAMAGE TO AIRFRAME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3859R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3859R), registered now, S/N 17255359, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172H
- Registry model: [Cessna 172H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172h) (registry code 2072424) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17255359
- Airframe hours: 2000
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gerald R. Bekman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 28, 1985, 45 hours before
- Departed: CRIVITZ, WI
- Destination: 6W15, OCONTO, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 172 total, 37 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRB, 50 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 19850628028579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850628028579A), Jun 28, 1985: Cessna 172H, Coleman, WI, Substantial damage. Struck a post during emergency landing in a field due to fuel exhaustion.

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.