# NTSB CHI95LA132: Cessna 172N, N5208D, Detroit, MI, April 20, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 20, 1995, 17:37 local (21:37 UTC)
- Place: Detroit, MI
- Location: 42.4124° N, 83.0106° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at COLEMAN A YOUNG MUNI (DET), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.4124&lon=-83.0106&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 8, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9873
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9873/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA132

## Probable cause

the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff ground run.  A factor associated with the accident was the soft terrain.

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- Nose gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Analysis

The student reported the airplane veered to the left during the takeoff run.  The student stated she applied right rudder to no avail.  The airplane traveled off the side of the runway into soft terrain where the nose gear collapsed.

## Factual narrative

On April 20, 1995, at 1737 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N5208D, collided with the terrain while taking off on runway 15 (5,147' x 100') at the Detroit City Airport, Detroit, Michigan, while on a solo instructional flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The local 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating under a flight plan.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot was not injured.

The student stated that during the takeoff ground run, the airplane veered to the left.  She stated she applied right rudder, however, the airplane continued off the side of the runway.  The airplane traveled into the soft grass area where the nose gear collapsed.

Inspection of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector failed to reveal any mechanical anomalies which would have resulted in the loss of directional control.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5208D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5208D), registered now, S/N 17272451, built 1979 (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: 17272451
- Airframe hours: 2542
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Janet Andalora
- Registered owner: Aerovest, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 29, 1994, 96 hours before
- Departed: DET
- Airport: DET, Detroit City, runway 15, 5,090 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 66 total, 65 in this make and model, 21 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DET

## 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 19950420012839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950420012839A), Apr 20, 1995: Cessna 172N, Detroit, MI, Substantial damage. Veered on takeoff. Exited runway into soft ground. Nose gear collapsed. (-23) during takeoff the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot corrected using right…

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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