# NTSB CHI97LA068: Cessna 172, N13611, West Chicago, IL, February 8, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 8, 1997, 15:15 local (21:15 UTC) - Place: West Chicago, IL - Coordinates: 41.880729, -88.220626 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8807&lon=-88.2206&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 15, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10519 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA068 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10519/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA068 ## Probable cause The loss of power for undetermined reasons. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - reason for occurrence undetermined (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that 'nothing was abnormal' during the takeoff on runway 33. At an altitude of 500 feet above ground level, the engine 'began to run roughly and lose power.' He 'turned back toward the field, established best glide, and called the tower.' He checked the engine controls. He reported that he felt heat on his legs and smelled 'something hot'. No smoke or flames were visible. He attempted to land on runway 19L but 'excess altitude, airspeed, and a downwind approach made it impossible... .' He advanced the throttle to full which 'resulted in almost no acceleration.' The pilot reported that he elected to land in a farm field south of the airport. He conducted a soft field landing. The airplane impacted a row of trees and bushes 'at the end of the field.' Examination of the airplane revealed engine controls were intact. Fuel samples exhibited no evidence of contamination. The engine operated normally during a warm up, run up, and a full power test run. ## Factual narrative On February 8, 1997, at 1515 central standard time, a Cessna 172, N13611, operated by Shamrock Aviation, Ltd., sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees during a forced landing in West Chicago, Illinois. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The local, personal flight originated about 1513 and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. During a telephone interview, conducted on March 18, 1997, the pilot reported that he performed a "normal" run up and "nothing was abnormal" during the takeoff on runway 33. At an altitude of 500 feet above ground level, the engine "began to run roughly and lose power." He reported that he had to lower the nose to maintain an airspeed of 75 knots. He "turned back toward the field, established best glide, and called the tower." He checked the engine controls. He reported that he felt heat on his legs and smelled "something hot". No smoke or flames were visible. He attempted to land on runway 19L but "excess altitude, airspeed, and a downwind approach made it impossible... ." He advanced the throttle to full which "resulted in almost no acceleration." The pilot reported that he elected to land in a farm field south of the airport. He conducted a soft field landing. The airplane impacted a row of trees and bushes "at the end of the field." Examination of the airplane revealed engine controls were intact. Fuel samples were clear and clean. The engine operated normally during a warm up, run up, and a full power test run. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N13611](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N13611), registered now, S/N 17262883, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172 - Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 172628883 - Airframe hours: 4002 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Shamrock Aviation, Ltd. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1996, 511 hours before - Departed: DPA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 79 total, 78 in this make and model, 30 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 360° at 15 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken - Temperature: 32 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: DPA, 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 19970208001359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970208001359A), Feb 8, 1997: Cessna 172M, West Chicago, IL, Substantial damage. Engine problems after takeoff, attempted to land, too high, went around, landed in corn field , hit trees. (.19) on February 8, 1997, at 1515 central standard… 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.