# NTSB CHI94LA324: Cessna 172, N98525, Warrenton, MO, September 10, 1994 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 10, 1994, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC) - Place: Warrenton, MO - Coordinates: 38.820812, -91.139884 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8208&lon=-91.1399&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 14, 1995 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 9679 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94LA324 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9679/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA324 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to use the proper procedure for an aborted takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were the trees, the pilot's poor preflight/preparation, and the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - aborted takeoff - improper, pilot in command (cause) - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor) - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis Upon reaching his destination, the pilot had difficulty identifying the correct airstrip on which he had intended to land because he was unfamiliar with the area. After landing, the pilot realized that he had mistaken a corn field for the airstrip. He decided to takeoff from the corn field to relocate the airplane to the correct airstrip. With ten degrees of flaps and full power, the pilot attempted to takeoff. When the airplane had not become airborne at a predetermined point, he decided to abort the takeoff. The pilot locked the brakes and the airplane skidded across the wet field and into trees. The pilot states he remembered to reduce the throttle after he had locked the brakes. ## Factual narrative On September 10, 1994, at 0800 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N98525, was substantially damaged when it struck trees while taking off from a field in Warrenton, Missouri. The pilot reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight originated from Peoria, Illinois, at 0540 on a VFR flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. In a written statement, the pilot reported he and a passenger were en route to a private airstrip in Warrenton. When they reached the Warrenton area, the pilot had difficulty identifying the airstrip on which they had intended to land. The pilot states he was unfamiliar with the area. After landing on what he assumed was the correct field, he realized that he had landed on a corn field. The corn field's surface consisted of six to ten inch wet grass, six inch corn stock stumps, and sparse weeds. The pilot states he decided to takeoff from the field to relocate the airplane to the proper airstrip. The passenger got out of the airplane prior to the attempted takeoff. With ten degrees of flaps and full power, he attempted to takeoff from the field diagonally in order to use all available space. When the airplane had not become airborne by a predetermined point on the field, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. He applied the brakes and the airplane skidded across the wet grass into trees which lined the perimeter of the field. The pilot reported to the FAA that only after he locked the brakes did he remember to reduce the throttle. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N98525](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N98525), registered now, S/N 17276306, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 - Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17276306 - Airframe hours: 2923 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Bradley Flying Association - Registered owner: Bradley Flying Association - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Special, Provisional (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, June 19, 1994, 91 hours before - Departed: PIA, PEORIA, IL - Flight plan: VFR ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 74 total, 11 in this make and model, 26 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 8 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 57 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 19940910026459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940910026459A), Sep 10, 1994: Cessna 172P, Warrenton, MO, Substantial damage. Landed by error in cornfield in stead of private strip. Tried takeoff. Unable. Aborted. Failed cut power. Hit trees ## Other investigations on N98525 (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 SEA88LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA056), Mar 10, 1988: Cessna 172 (N98525), Las Vegas, NV, 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. --- 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.