# NTSB FTW97LA116: Cessna 172P, N65753, Cleveland, OK, March 10, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 10, 1997, 16:45 local (22:45 UTC) - Place: Cleveland, OK - Coordinates: 36.289299, -96.459381 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2893&lon=-96.4594&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 August 25, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 20167 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW97LA116 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20167/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA116 ## Probable cause The pilot/mechanic's improper installation of the spark plug, resulting in its separation from the engine. A factor was the unsuitable terrain available in the runway's overrun area. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - ignition system,spark plug - separation (cause) - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - Overrun, landing - roll - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - Nose over, landing - roll - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot, who is also an A&P mechanic, installed and torqued a new helicoil and spark plug. A satisfactory engine run was completed. During takeoff climb, at 300 feet AGL, 'the engine popped and lost power.' The pilot executed a 180-degree turn, and 'landed fast downwind.' During the landing roll, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and 'encountered a rut and flipped over' damaging both wings. An examination of the airplane revealed that the newly installed spark plug was hanging by its ignition wire. ## Factual narrative On March 10, 1997, at 1645 central standard time, a Cessna 172P, N65753, registered to Christiansen Aviation, Inc., and operated by the Oklahoma State University Flight School, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power near Cleveland, Oklahoma. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the proposed positioning flight to Stillwater, Texas, and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating from Cleveland Municipal Airport at the time of the accident. The pilot, who is also a certificated mechanic, reported that he had installed and torqued a new helicoil and spark plug. A satisfactory engine run was completed. During takeoff climb from runway 18, while at 300 feet AGL, "the engine popped and lost power." He executed a 180 degree turn, and "landed fast downwind" on runway 36. During the landing roll, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and "encountered a rut and flipped over." An examination of the airplane by a FAA inspector revealed that the newly installed spark plug was hanging by its ignition wire, and both wings were structurally damaged. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N65753](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N65753), registered now, S/N 17275858, built 1982 (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: 17275858 - Airframe hours: 6047 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Positioning, Part 91 - Operator: Oklahoma State University - Registered owner: Christiansen Aviation - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, February 14, 1997, 28 hours before - Departed: 95F - Destination: SWO, STILLWATER, OK - Airport: 95F, Cleveland Municipal, runway 18, 4,000 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 311 total, 39 in this make and model, 167 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 240° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 30 °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 19970310006379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970310006379A), Mar 10, 1997: Cessna 172P, Cleveland, OK, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Made 180, landed downwind. Overran runway. Hit rut,nosed over. Plug put in by pilot came out (-23) the mechanic/pilot was test flying… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.