# NTSB CHI85LA306: Cessna 120, N2785N, Hart, MI, July 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1985, 21:00 local (Jul 22, 1985, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Hart, MI
- Coordinates: 43.689662, -86.360824 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.6897&lon=-86.3608&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): 13156
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA306
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13156/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA306

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - runway
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT ON THE RETURN LEG OF A X.COUNTRY FLT FAILED TO VISUALLY CHECK HIS FUEL SUPPLY AND SELECTED AN EMPTY TANK FOR TAKEOFF. ON LIFTOFF THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LD ON THE REMAINING 300 FT OF RUNWAY. AFTER TOUCHDOWN THE ACFT VEERED OFF OF THE RUNWAY INTO SOFT SOIL AND NOSED OVER INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2785N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2785N-2002-09-06), registration cancelled 2002-09-06, S/N 13046, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 120
- Registry model: [Cessna 120](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-120) (registry code 2071402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 13046
- Airframe hours: 2180
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard A.Hatfield
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 12, 1985, 55 hours before
- Departed: C04, HART, MI
- Destination: MKG, MUSKEGON, MI
- Airport: CO4, Oceana County, runway 26, 2,020 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 983 total, 58 in this make and model, 924 as pilot in command, 84 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 220° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKG, 37 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 19850721032809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850721032809A), Jul 21, 1985: Cessna 120, Hart, MI, Substantial damage. Out of fuel on takeoff, restarted on other tank but aborted. Landed, swerved off runway side and nosed over.

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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