# NTSB CHI99LA320: Cessna 172D, N2972U, South Wayne, WI, September 4, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 4, 1999, 12:18 local (17:18 UTC)
- Place: South Wayne, WI
- Coordinates: 42.560783, -89.879272 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5608&lon=-89.8793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 21, 2002
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 47249
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA320
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47249/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA320

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper selection of an emergency field and failure to maintain clearance from the trees.  The cause of the loss of engine power was not determined.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - initiated, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - tree(s)
  - in-flight planning/decision - misjudged, pilot in command
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The aircraft was in cruise at 2000 feet msl when the engine started missing.  The pilot selected an emergency field, but the plane was too high, and the pilot then selected another field to make the emergency landing to.  The aircraft struck trees while on approach to that field.

## Factual narrative

On September 4, 1999, at 1218 central daylight time (cdt), a Cessna 172, N2972U, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a collision with trees and terrain while approaching a field during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  The pilot reported serious injuries.  The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan.  The flight departed Apple River, Illinois, at 1130 cdt.

According to the pilot, the airplane was flying about 2,000 feet above mean sea level when the engine started missing.  He said shortly after the engine began missing and there was a loud bang and the engine stopped running.  The pilot said he picked a field for the forced landing and realized the airplane was too high to land in that field.  He said he chose another field and turned toward it.  While on approach to that field the airplane collided with trees and the ground.

Law enforcement personnel responding to the accident said they observed about 10 gallons of fuel in one of airplane's wing tanks.  The on-scene law enforcement supervisor said he also smelled fuel and saw it dripping from the other wing.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2972U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2972U-2000-03-10), registration cancelled 2000-03-10, S/N 17250572 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172D (172)
- Registry model: [Cessna 172D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172d) (registry code 2072410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17250572
- Engines: Teledyne Cont O-300 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William D. Holland
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 19, 1999
- Departed: IL12, APPLE RIVER, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: expired; last flight review January 22, 1989; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19990904027759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990904027759A), Sep 4, 1999: Cessna 172D, South Wayne, WI, Substantial damage. (.19) On September 4, 1999, at 1218 central daylight time (CDT), a Cessna 172, N2972U, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during a collision…

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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