# NTSB CHI93LA176: Cessna 172, N8657B, Plainwell, MI, May 16, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 16, 1993, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Plainwell, MI
- Coordinates: 42.439628, -85.640937 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4396&lon=-85.6409&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15719
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA176
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15719/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA176

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INITIATING HAND STARTING OF THE AIRPLANE UNATTENDED BY A QUALIFIED PERSON.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, standing - starting engine(s)
  - tie down - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft unattended/engine(s) running - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
  - powerplant controls - not understood, unqualified person
  - brakes(normal) - not understood, unqualified person
- On ground/water collision with object, standing - engine(s) operating
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAND STARTED THE AIRPLANE WITH AN NON-PILOT PASSENGER IN THE AIRPLANE.  AFTER THE ENGINE STARTED THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REENTER THE AIRPLANE TO STOP ITS FORWARD PROGRESS.  THE NON-PILOT PASSENGER WAS UNABLE TO OPERATE THE CONTROLS TO STOP THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8657B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8657B-2008-06-05), registration cancelled 2008-06-05, S/N 36357, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36357
- Airframe hours: 1819
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Schiedel, Robert E.
- Registered owner: Schiedel, Robert E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 5, 1992
- Airport: 61D, Otsego-Plainwell Muni.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; flight hours: 296 total, 296 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AZO, 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 19930516013909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930516013909A), May 16, 1993: Cessna 172, Plainwell, MI, Substantial damage. Hand propped engine. Aircraft ran into trees and fence. Non pilot passenger on brakes panicked. Unable to act.

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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