# NTSB CHI91LA269: Cessna 172E, N3891S, Harbor Springs, MI, August 22, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1991, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Harbor Springs, MI
- Coordinates: 45.430896, -84.980049 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.4309&lon=-84.9800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15162
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA269
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15162/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA269

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS. A FACTOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT WAS HIS DELAY IN INITIATING THE GO-AROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - crosswind
  - weather condition - gusts
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND IN GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. HE SAID THAT WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH THE WIND SEEMED TO DIMINISH AND SHIFT TO A DIRECT HEADWIND.  DURING THE LANDING FLARE A WIND GUST MOVED THE AIRPLANE AWAY FROM THE RUNWAY.  THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A GO AROUND, BUT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND 'PANCAKED' INTO THE GROUND ALONGSIDE THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3891S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3891S-1993-06-16), registration cancelled 1993-06-16, S/N 17251091 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172E
- Registry model: [Cessna 172E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172e) (registry code 2072412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172-51091
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hulift Aero, Inc.
- Departed: PTK, WATERFORD, MI
- Airport: D87, Harbor Springs, runway 28, 4,157 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 155 total, 96 in this make and model, 104 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °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 19910822036199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910822036199A), Aug 22, 1991: Cessna 172E, Harbor Springs, MI, Substantial damage. Tried to land in gusty crosswind. Gust blew aircraft off side of runway. Began go around and lost control.

## Other investigations on N3891S (2)

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.

- [NTSB CHI84LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA318), Jul 29, 1984: Cessna 172 (N3891S), Urbana, OH, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC79FFA06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC79FFA06), Dec 28, 1978: Cessna 172 (N3891S), Albany, NY, substantial damage

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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