# NTSB CHI87FA176: Cessna 402B, N3742C, Chicago, IL, July 21, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1987, 22:19 local (Jul 21, 1987, 03:19 UTC)
- Place: Chicago, IL
- Coordinates: 41.780281, -87.769989 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7803&lon=-87.7700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 15, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13649
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87FA176
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13649/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87FA176

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL TO PERFORM PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE LEFT THROTTLE LINKAGE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - induction air control,linkage - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - propeller feathering - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed(vmc) - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - wire,static
  - object - building(nonresidential)

## Analysis

ON INITIAL CLIMB THE PILOT REPORTED 'JUST LOST ONE', FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF CONTROL AND DESCENT INTO A RESIDENTIAL AREA. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED A LOOSE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE LEFT ENGINE THROTTLE SERRATED WASHER AND THE SERRATED SHAFT. THE ENGINE HAD BEEN REMOVED AND REINSTALED A FEW FLIGHT HOURS PRIOR TO THE OCCURRENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3742C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3742C-1993-08-04), registration cancelled 1993-08-04, S/N 402B0600 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 402B
- Registry model: [Cessna 402B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-402b) (registry code 207590P) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 402B0600
- Airframe hours: 2597
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-E8B 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Air Maryland
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, December 12, 1986, 78 hours before
- Departed: MDW, CHICAGO, IL
- Destination: MKC, KANSAS CITY, MO
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,200 total, 2,800 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 60° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MDW, 1 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 19870720035489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870720035489A), Jul 20, 1987: Cessna 402B, Chicago, IL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Lost left engine on climbout. Rolled inverted, hit garages, burned. Throttle had loose connection.

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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