# NTSB MIA83LA020: Cessna 172, N739WY, Ft. Myers, FL, October 24, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 24, 1982, 13:40 local (18:40 UTC)
- Place: Ft. Myers, FL
- Location: 26.6406° N, 81.8723° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Fort Myers, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.6406&lon=-81.8723&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70785
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70785/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA020

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power lever,linkage - incorrect (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT DURING HIS SOLO X-COUNTRY THE THROTTLE BECAME STUCK SEVERAL TIMES ENROUTE. WHILE APPROACHING FT. MYERS HE RETARDED THE THROTTLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO ADVANCE IT AGAIN. UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE, THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING. POST EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT ALL ENGINE CONTROLS WERE FREE TO MOVE & HAD FULL TRAVEL IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. THE FRICTION KNOB ON THE THROTTLE WAS SCREWED COMPLETELY OUT, BUT DID NOT HAMPER FULL USE OF THE THROTTLE. THE THROTTLE CONTROL MOUNT NUT WAS SECURED TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL & WAS NOT LOOSE. HOWEVER, THE THROTTLE LINKAGE WAS HOOKED UP AT THE CARBURETOR AT THE TOP MOUNT HOLE WHICH CAUSED THE THROTTLE CONTROL TO HAVE ONLY ABOUT 1-5/8 IN FULL TRAVEL FROM IDLE TO FULL POWER. THIS COMPARES TO 3 IN OR BETTER ON ANY OTHER C-172 INSTALLATION. THIS WOULD CAUSE RAPID POWER CHANGES WITH ONLY SMALL CHANGES OF THROTTLE CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N739WY](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N739WY), registered now, S/N 17270876, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- 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: 17270876
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Miami Flying Club
- Registered owner: James W. Barron
- Departed: PAHOKEE, FL
- Destination: SDL, SCOTTSDALE, AZ
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; student; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 49 total, 6 in this make and model, 7 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,400 ft overcast
- Temperature: 147 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMY

## 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 19821024056769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821024056769A), Oct 24, 1982: Cessna 172N, Ft Myers, FL, Substantial damage. Student pilot claimed throttle stuck in closed position causing forced landing short of intended 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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