# NTSB CHI91LA124: Cessna C172N, N737VP, North Liberty, IN, April 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1991, 19:00 local (Apr 4, 1991, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: North Liberty, IN
- Coordinates: 41.530273, -86.429344 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5303&lon=-86.4293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15036
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA124
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15036/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA124

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADVERTENT TOUCHDOWN AND INADEQUATE REMEDIAL ACTION.  RELATED FACTORS ARE THE LOW PASS MANEUVER, AND THE SOFT TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - touchdown - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, other
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - ditch
  - lift-off - not possible, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS OPERATING THE AIRCRAFT LOW OVER HIS PROPERTY, WITH THE AIRPLANE SET UP IN THE LANDING CONFIGURATION.  HE STATED THAT HE APPLIED FULL POWER TO ARREST THE AIRPLANE'S DESCENT, BUT THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO SETTLE TO THE SOFT, MUDDY GROUND.  THE PILOT CONTINUED TO ATTEMPT TO ABORT THE LANDING, BUT THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A DITCH AND CAME TO A STOP.  A POST ACCIDENT ENGINE RUN UP INDICATED THE ENGINE WAS CAPABLE OF NORMAL OPERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N737VP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N737VP-1992-03-06), registration cancelled 1992-03-06, S/N 17269711 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA C172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17269711
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Plymouth Avaition, Inc.
- Departed: C65, PLYMOUTH, IN
- Destination: C65, PLYMOUTH, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 498 total, 2 in this make and model, 265 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 9 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910403008299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910403008299A), Apr 3, 1991: Cessna 172N, North Liberty, IN, Substantial damage. Low pass over muddy,rough farm strip. Contacted ground. Tried go around and struck a ditch. Had full flaps.

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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