# NTSB FTW87LA164: Cessna 172I, N8485L, Baton Rouge, LA, July 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1987, 20:44 local (Jul 8, 1987, 01:44 UTC)
- Place: Baton Rouge, LA
- Location: 30.4507° N, 91.1546° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Baton Rouge, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4507&lon=-91.1546&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22396
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22396/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA164

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - engine instruments,oil temperature gage - disconnected (cause)
  - maintenance - improper, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - lubricating system - leak (cause)
  - fluid,oil - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT AFTER TAKING OFF TO PRACTICE TOUCH & GO LNDGS, THE ENG LOST PWR. HE ATMTD TO MAKE A FORCED LNDG ON THE ARPT, BUT WAS UNABLE. WHILE LNDG SHORT OF THE RWY, THE ACFT HIT THE TOP OF A TREE & THE ARPT SECURITY FENCE. MAINTENANCE HAD JUST BEEN PERFORMED ON THE ACFT. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE OIL TEMPERATURE 'BULB' HAD INADVERTENTLY BEEN LEFT OUT OF THE OIL FILTER. SUBSEQUENTLY, OIL WAS PUMPED OVERBOARD & THE ENG SEIZED DUE TO OIL EXHAUSTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8485L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8485L-1994-06-08), registration cancelled 1994-06-08, S/N 17256685 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172I
- Registry model: [Cessna 172I](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172i) (registry code 2072426) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17256685
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Emile L Salles
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 7, 1987, 5 hours before
- Departed: BTR
- Airport: BTR, Baton Rouge, runway 4, 6,900 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 177 total, 75 in this make and model, 128 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: variable at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 75 °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 19870707032629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870707032629A), Jul 7, 1987: Cessna 172I, Baton Rouge, LA, Substantial damage. Took off for local touch and goes. Engine quit turning final. Hit trees. Mechanic failed to install oil temp bulb.

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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