# NTSB CHI92LA285: Cessna 177B, N34893, Norcross, MN, September 20, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1992, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Norcross, MN
- Coordinates: 45.860771, -96.190444 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8608&lon=-96.1904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15553
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA285
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15553/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA285

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S PREMATURE LIFTOFF WHICH RESULTED IN INADEQUATE AIRSPEED FOR TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND, AND THE PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - crop
  - stall/mush

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS ON HIS PRIVATE GRASS AIRSTRIP WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED.  THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO VEER TO THE LEFT OF THE AIRSTRIP TOWARD A CORN CROP AND A DITCH DURING THE TAKEOFF PHASE OF A TOUCH AND GO.  THE PILOT ELECTED TO PULL BACK IN AN ATTEMPT TO CLEAR THE CROP.  SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE AIRPLANE SETTLED INTO THE CROP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N34893](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N34893-2021-07-31), registration cancelled 2021-07-31, S/N 17702069, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177B
- Registry model: [Cessna 177B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177b) (registry code 2073708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17702069
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1F6D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tnt Sales & Service
- Registered owner: Tnt Sales & Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 6, 1992, 29 hours before
- Airport: Private, runway 9, 3,500 × 120 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 20 total, 10 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AXN, 30 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 19920920037909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920920037909A), Sep 20, 1992: Cessna 177B, Norcross, MN, Substantial damage. Swerved toward cornfield on edge of strip. Lifted off to fly over corn. Tail caught corn. Pulled aircraft into corn

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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