# NTSB FTW87LA171: Cessna 152, N64935, Graham, TX, July 20, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 19, 1987, 20:10 local (Jul 20, 1987, 01:10 UTC)
- Place: Graham, TX
- Location: 33.1009° N, 98.5778° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Graham, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1009&lon=-98.5778&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22401
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA171
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22401/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA171

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE APPROXIMATE HALF TANKS OF FUEL WHICH THE STUDENT PILOT REPORTEDLY OBSERVED ON BOARD DURING HIS PREFLIGHT INSPECTION (AND WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON BOARD AT THAT TIME) APPARENTLY LEAKED OUT THROUGH THE BROKEN FUEL LINE FITTING AT THE CARBURETOR WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT REST AT THE CRASH SITE, EVEN THOUGH NO STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED BY THOSE WHO EXAMINED THE AIRCRAFT LATER THAT NIGHT. THE SATISFACTORY POST ACCIDENT ENGINE OPERATIONAL CHECK REVEALED THE ENGINE WAS CAPABLE OF NORMAL OPERATION. THE REASON FOR ITS ALLEGED FAILURE DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB FROM THE GRAHAM AIRPORT WAS NOT DISCOVERED. AFTER THE POWER LOSS A FORCED LANDING WAS INITIATED. DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT FOR THIS LANDING THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POWER LINE WHICH PULLED IT INTO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N64935](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N64935-2013-04-30), registration cancelled 2013-04-30, S/N 15281484, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15281484
- Airframe hours: 2429
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: American Air Academy
- Registered owner: Charles F Kregel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 17, 1987, 57 hours before
- Departed: E15, GRAHAM, TX
- Destination: DTO, DENTON, TX
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: E15, Graham Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 18; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 30 total, 30 in this make and model, 8 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19870719035549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870719035549A), Jul 19, 1987: Cessna 152, Graham, TX, Substantial damage. Engine lost power on solo student takeoff. Struck a wire on landing. Fuel line fitting broken. Fuel depleted.

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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