# NTSB CHI86LA117: Cessna 172-RG II, N9538B, St Paul, MN, April 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 7, 1986, 08:25 local (14:25 UTC)
- Place: St Paul, MN
- Coordinates: 45.15937, -93.250312 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1594&lon=-93.2503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13444
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA117
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13444/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA117

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, climb - to cruise
  - lubricating system,oil regulator - siphoning (contributing factor)
  - lubricating system,oil seal - loss,total (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,inspection - improper, company maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, descent - emergency
  - fluid,oil - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - in-flight planning/decision - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission
  - in-flight planning/decision - misjudged, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - not identified, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - gear extension - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING CLIMBOUT AFTER T.O. AND PASSING THRU 4000 FT SMOKE BEGAN TO ENTER THE CABIN. PLT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AND TURNED TOWARD ARPT. ENG THEN BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. ACFT WAS CLEARED TO LD BUT PLT CONTINUED TO A POINT FOUR MI PAST BASE LEG, ATTEMPTED TO FLY UNDER BUT STRUCK A HI POWER LINE. PLT ELECTED TO LD GEAR DOWN IN SOFT SOIL AND DURING ROLL OUT NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9538B (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172-RG II
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172RG0864
- Airframe hours: 1332
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-FIAG 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Wings Inc. (James T. Bentham)
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: STP, ST. PAUL, MN
- Destination: FFM, FERGUS FALLS, MN
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: STP, St. Paul Downtown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,148 total, 370 in this make and model, 721 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: STP, 4 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 19860407010109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860407010109A), Apr 7, 1986: Cessna 172RG, St Paul, MN, Substantial damage. Engine vibration and smoke in cockpit on takeoff. Aircraft hit wires on landing. Cover missing on oil relief.

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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