# NTSB CHI91LA109: Cessna 172K, N78195, Bridgman, MI, March 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 16, 1991, 16:10 local (21:10 UTC)
- Place: Bridgman, MI
- Coordinates: 41.940616, -86.560958 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9406&lon=-86.5610&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15023
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA109
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15023/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA109

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CORRECT A DESCENT.  A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S MANEUVERING AT AN IMPROPER ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - descent - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
  - climb - performed, passenger

## Analysis

A PRIVATE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE SIGHTSEEING ALONG A LAKESHORE ABOUT 300 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE AND 150 YARDS OFFSHORE.  THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WAS LOOKING TO THE REAR AND TALKING TO THE OTHER PASSENGER WHEN THE PILOT INITIATED A 360 DEGREE TURN AWAY FROM THE BEACH.  THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SENSED A STEEP BANK AND A DESCENT, AND TURNED TO LOOK OUT THE WINDSHIELD.  ON SEEING THE NOSE BELOW THE HORIZON, THE PASSENGER PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE AND APPLIED POWER TO BREAK THE DESCENT.  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE LAKE DURING THE PULLUP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N78195](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N78195), registered now, S/N 17257522, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172K
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17257522
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles F. Harrell & Partners
- Registered owner: Charles F. Harrell & Partners
- Departed: SBN, SOUTH BEND, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 148 total, 98 in this make and model, 102 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SBN, 22 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 19910316005539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910316005539A), Mar 16, 1991: Cessna 172K, Bridgeman, MI, Substantial damage. Lost control making 180 over lake,descended. At last minute student passenger pulled it up. Wing tip hit the water.

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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