# NTSB FTW92LA230: Cessna 172P, N97489, Fulshear, TX, September 21, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1992, 21:40 local (Sep 21, 1992, 02:40 UTC)
- Place: Fulshear, TX
- Coordinates: 29.670131, -95.920394 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.6701&lon=-95.9204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18570
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA230
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18570/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA230

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER POINT OF TOUCHDOWN. FACTORS WERE THE POPPED CIRCUIT BREAKER, THE INOPERATIVE ALTERNATOR, AND THE DARKNESS OF THE NIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,circuit breaker - popped/tripped (contributing factor)
  - electrical system,alternator - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - flashlight - lack of
- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT RENTED AN AIRPLANE FOR A SCENIC FLIGHT IN THE LOCAL AREA. PRIOR TO DEPARTING, HE EXPERIENCED AVIONICS PROBLEMS AND A MECHANIC FOUND A TRIPPED ALTERNATOR CIRCUIT BREAKER, WHICH WAS RESET. AN UNEVENTFUL REFUELING STOP WAS MADE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS AT A LOCAL AIRPORT. DURING THE SECOND FLIGHT, ELECTRICAL POWER WAS LOST WHEN HE TRIED TO USE A LANDING LIGHT. THE PILOT USED A CIGARETTE LIGHTER TO CROSS CHECK HIS FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS WHILE SEARCHING FOR A SUITABLE PLACE TO LAND. A GRASS AIRPARK WAS FOUND AND THE PILOT INITIATED A VISUAL APPROACH. DURING THE APPROACH TO THE UNLIGHTED STRIP, THE AIRPLANE LANDED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N97489](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N97489), registered now, S/N 17276197 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172P
- Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17276197
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Woody Leslkar Acft. Service
- Registered owner: Engineered Constructors Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 26, 1992, 50 hours before
- Departed: 7XS3, GRAPELAND, TX
- Destination: IWS, WEST HOUSTON, TX
- Airport: NONE, Covey Trails, runway 17, 3,300 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 25,000 total, 10,000 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 13 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOU, 34 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 19920921037639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920921037639A), Sep 21, 1992: Cessna 172P, Fulshear, TX, Substantial damage. Alternator failed. Lost electrical power. Dark night and no flashlight. Landed short during approach to airport.

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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