# NTSB CHI92LA277: Cessna 172N, N738KX, Geneseo, IL, September 13, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1992, 13:57 local (18:57 UTC)
- Place: Geneseo, IL
- Coordinates: 41.440563, -90.149986 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4406&lon=-90.1500&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15548
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA277
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15548/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA277

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPTED OPERATION OF THE AIRPLANE WITH A KNOWN DEFFICIENCY IN THE EQUIPMENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - ignition system,magneto grounding lead (p-lead) - loose (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT ELECTED TO TAKEOFF AND CONTINUE A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT WITH ONE MAGNETO DISABLED.  DURING THE FLIGHT THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH.  THE PILOT WAS VECTORED TOWARD AN AIRPORT.  THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING DURING APPROACH.  THE AIRPLANE LANDED LONG AND OVERRAN THE RUNWAY. A  LOOSE MAGNETO 'P' LEAD WAS FOUND DURING A POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N738KX](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N738KX-2009-06-19), registration cancelled 2009-06-19, S/N 17270048, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17270048
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: General Aviators
- Registered owner: Casimer A. Kolasa
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1992
- Departed: BRL, BURLINGTON, IA
- Destination: SQI, STERLING, IL
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: IS37, Gen-Air Park, runway 27, 2,600 × 145 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 57 total, 57 in this make and model, 6 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MLI, 12 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 19920913039129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920913039129A), Sep 13, 1992: Cessna 172N, Geneseo, IL, Substantial damage. Rough engine prior flight. P lead tied off on left mag. Advised go on one mag. Rough again. P lead loose right mag.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.
