# NTSB DEN85LA191: Cessna 172, N739GA, Sykeston, ND, July 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1985, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Sykeston, ND
- Coordinates: 47.459075, -99.390243 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4591&lon=-99.3902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16726
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA191
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16726/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA191

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - airport facilities,obstruction marking - unavailable (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - object (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID HE MADE A NORMAL LANDING ON AN AERIAL APPLICATION AIRSTRIP. DURING THE ROLLOUT THE PLT SPOTTED AN UNMARKED MAIL BOX. THE PLT SAID HE SWERVED TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH THE MAIL BOX. THE ACFT WENT OFF THE SIDE OF THE STRIP AND INTO A FIELD. THE PLT SAID HE WAS NOT TOLD THAT THE OBSTRUCTION HAD BEEN INSTALLED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N739GA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N739GA-2014-07-31), registration cancelled 2014-07-31, S/N 17270521, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- 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: 17270521
- Airframe hours: 1202
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Liechty Bros. Farms
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 8, 1985, 47 hours before
- Departed: MONTPELIER, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 271 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots, gusting 7
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19850719032969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850719032969A), Jul 19, 1985: Cessna 172N, Sykeston, ND, Substantial damage. Pilot swerved to avoid mailbox while landing on road and went into field. Damage to wing, propeller, nose gear.

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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