# NTSB CHI91LA167: Beech C-23, N5172M, Cottage Grove, MN, May 28, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1991, 00:24 local (05:24 UTC)
- Place: Cottage Grove, MN
- Coordinates: 44.81034, -92.920288 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.8103&lon=-92.9203&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15074
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15074/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA167

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S IMPROPER PRE FLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRPLANE AND IMPROPER FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT AIRPLANE WAS FLYING A NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY TRIP WHEN THE ENGINE CEASED TO OPERATE. HE MADE A FORCED LANDING ONTO A RAIN SOAKER PLOWED FIELD. UPON LANDING, THE AIRPLANE ROLLED A SHORT DISTANCE AND NOSED OVER. AN ON SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5172M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5172M-1992-09-15), registration cancelled 1992-09-15, S/N M2046 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH C-23
- Registry model: [Beech C23](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-c23) (registry code 1151242) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: M-2046
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4K 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: General Avaition Services
- Registered owner: General Avaition Services
- Departed: DLH, DULUTH, MN
- Destination: FCM, EDEN PRAIRIE, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 74 total, 3 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: FCM, 25 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 19910528017279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910528017279A), May 28, 1991: Beech C23, Cottage Grove, MN, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel en route at night. Impacted soft field nose first on forced night landing, flipped over.

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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