# NTSB CHI87DEC02: Cessna 172G, N3630L, Linden, MI, March 20, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: March 20, 1987, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Linden, MI
- Coordinates: 43.06966, -83.619911 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0697&lon=-83.6199&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13546
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87DEC02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13546/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87DEC02

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, go-around (vfr)
  - engine assembly,valve,intake - open (cause)
  - engine assembly - low compression (cause)
  - maintenance,overhaul - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND WHEN HE DECIDED HE WAS TOO HIGH, AND ABORTED THE LANDING ATTEMPT. THE ENGINE FAILED TO DEVELOP POWER DESPITE THROTTLE AND MIXTURE ADJUSTMENTS, AND THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A CORNFIELD. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THERE WAS NO CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE ROCKER ARM AND THE INTAKE VALVE STEM ON CYLINDER #3, AND NONE BETWEEN THE ROCKER ARMS AND EXHAUST VALVE STEMS ON #5 AND #6 CYLINDERS. THE COMPRESSION CHECK SHOWED NO COMPRESSION ON #5 OR #6 AND VERY LITTLE COMPRESSION ON #3. ALL OF THE CYLINDERS HAD BEEN RECONDITIONED 22 HOURS EARLIER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3630L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3630L-1990-03-13), registration cancelled 1990-03-13, S/N 17253799 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172G
- Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172-53799
- Airframe hours: 2312
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Walter Barlow
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 15, 1987, 22 hours before
- Departed: FNT, FLINT, MI
- Airport: 9G2, Linden, runway 9, 2,509 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 31 total, 6 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 14 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FNT, 10 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 19870320007109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870320007109A), Mar 20, 1987: Cessna 172G, Linden, MI, Substantial damage. Too high on approach. Engine failed as power applied to go around. Nosed over landing. Improper valve clearance.

## Other investigations on N3630L (1)

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.

- [NTSB MKC66F0441](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC66F0441), Mar 13, 1966: Cessna 172G (N3630L), Trumbull, NE, substantial damage

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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