# NTSB FTW88LA107: Cessna 172N, N4659G, Graham, TX, May 19, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 19, 1988, 14:30 local (19:30 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: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22643
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22643/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA107

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper descent rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ON A SOLO ROUND-ROBIN CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLIGHT. HE MADE A HARD LANDING ON THE NOSE WHEEL THAT RESULTED IN A PROPELLER GROUND STRIKE AND DAMAGED ENGINE FIREWALL. GUSTY SURFACE WINDS PREVAILED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4659G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4659G), registered now, S/N 17273285, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- 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: 17273285
- Airframe hours: 7120
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: American Flyers
- Registered owner: Ate Of Florida, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 17, 1988
- Departed: FTW, FORT WORTH, TX
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: E15, Graham Municipal, runway 17, 3,329 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 17; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 26 total, 26 in this make and model, 4 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 13 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FTW, 98 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 19880519015839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880519015839A), May 19, 1988: Cessna 172N, Graham, TX, Substantial damage. Collapsed the nose gear and buckled the firewall when aircraft made a hard nose first landing. Failed to flare.

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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