# NTSB CHI93LA166: Cessna 175, N7303M, Houghton Lake, MI, May 9, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1993, 22:05 local (May 9, 1993, 02:05 UTC)
- Place: Houghton Lake, MI
- Coordinates: 44.309516, -84.76007 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3095&lon=-84.7601&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15713
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA166
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15713/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA166

## Probable cause

THE PILOT OPERATING THE AIRPLANE WITH A KNOWN DEFICIENCY.

## 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
  - ignition system,magneto - failure,partial
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

DURING A NIGHT VFR CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE PILOT REPORTED HE EXPERIENCED AN ENGINE POWER LOSS.  HE STATED HE LANDED AT A NEARBY AIRPORT AND SOUGHT A MECHANIC'S HELP.  THE COST OF THE MECHANIC WAS PROHIBITIVE AND THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.  HE STATED HE EXAMINED THE ENGINE VISUALLY AND FOUND NOTHING UNUSUAL.  HE STATED HE RAN THE ENGINE FOR 20 MINUTES AT VARIOUS RPM SETTINGS.  UPON COMPLETION OF THE RUNUP THE PILOT DEPARTED AND CONTINUED HIS CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT.  WHILE AT CRUISE THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. REMEDIAL ACTION BY THE PILOT DID NOT CORRECT THE POWER LOSS. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND SWAMPY TERRAIN. THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED AN INTERMITTENTLY FIRING LEFT MAGNETO.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7303M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7303M), registered now, S/N 55603, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 175
- Registry model: [Cessna 175](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-175) (registry code 2072502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental GO-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-go-300-series) (registry code 17024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 55603
- Airframe hours: 986
- Engines: CONTINENTAL GO-300A 175 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Frederick H. Herman
- Registered owner: Frederick H. Herman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1992, 12 hours before
- Departed: MBS, SAGINAW, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 433 total, 380 in this make and model, 380 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 100° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HTL, 2 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 19930509012689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930509012689A), May 9, 1993: Cessna 175, Houghton Lake, MI, Destroyed. Landed due rough engine. Checked ok depart. Quit again. Landed in trees. Left magneto worn out. Igniters worn also.

## Other investigations on N7303M (1)

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 WPR22LA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA207), Jun 7, 2022: Cessna 175 (N7303M), Blackfoot, ID, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s loss of airplane control during the landing approach which, resulted in an undershoot and collision with a fence.

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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