# NTSB CHI87LA006: Cessna 120, N2896N, Decatur, IL, October 22, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 22, 1986, 13:55 local (18:55 UTC)
- Place: Decatur, IL
- Coordinates: 39.849369, -88.929275 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8494&lon=-88.9293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13679
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA006
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13679/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA006

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS PRACTICING CROSSWIND LANDINGS ON RUNWAY 24 WHEN THE AIRPLANE BOUNCED TWICE. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, HE IMMEDIATELY ADDED POWER AND THEN LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND GROUND LOOPED TO THE LEFT. FOLLOWING THE GROUND LOOP, THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND RAN OFF THE RUNWAY. FIVE MINUTES PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, HOWEVER, THE DECATUR FSS REPORTED WINDS FROM 210 DEGREES AT 14 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2896N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2896N), registered now, S/N 13157, 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: 13157
- Airframe hours: 3255
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Norman E. Hawbaker
- Registered owner: Norman E. Hawbaker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 30, 1986
- Airport: DEC, Decatur Airport, runway 24, 6,497 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,094 total, 55 in this make and model, 994 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DEC

## 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 19861022049619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861022049619A), Oct 22, 1986: Cessna 120, Decatur, IL, Substantial damage. The aircraft ground looped on landing in gusty wind.

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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