# NTSB FTW93LA198: Cessna 172G, N3987L, Fort Worth, TX, June 29, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1993, 21:00 local (Jun 29, 1993, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Fort Worth, TX
- Coordinates: 32.640056, -97.500411 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6401&lon=-97.5004&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 13, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18781
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW93LA198
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18781/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW93LA198

## Probable cause

THE POWER LOSS FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. FACTORS WERE THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING AND THE INADVERTENT STALL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE PILOT LOST ENGINE POWER  FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HEARD THE STALL WARNING HORN AS HE APPROACHED  THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. FOLLOWING A LOSS OF CONTROL THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED VERTICALLY TO GROUND IMPACT.

## Factual narrative

On June 28, 1993, at approximately 2100 central daylight time, a Cessna 172G, N3987L, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, near Fort Worth, Texas. The pilot, also the owner, and his passenger were not injured. Weather for the flight was visual meteorological conditions.

During an interview with the pilot, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, he stated that he was at cruise flight when the engine began to run rough. He immediately looked for an airport; however, the engine lost complete power. The forced landing was made to the only available area, which the FAA inspector stated was unsuitable. The pilot reported that at approximately thirty feet above ground level the stall warning horn sounded and the airplane descended vertically to ground impact.

An inspection of the airplane at the accident site failed to reveal any anomalies that could have caused the loss of power.  The fuel cells were examined and they both contained fuel.

The airplane was released to the owner.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3987L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3987L-1995-02-09), registration cancelled 1995-02-09, S/N 17254156 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172G
- Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17254156
- Airframe hours: 4745
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Hernandez, Ruben
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, February 2, 1993
- Departed: LNC, LANCASTER, TX
- Destination: F35, GRAYFORD, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 407 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FTW, 8 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 19930628020799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930628020799A), Jun 28, 1993: Cessna 172G, Fort Worth, TX, Substantial damage. Lost power en route. Landing into unsuitable terrain. Panicked. Stalled. Vertical impact. Cause powerloss unknown.

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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