# NTSB MIA85LA262: Cessna 172N, N4688D, Hollywood, FL, September 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 24, 1985, 12:13 local (16:13 UTC)
- Place: Hollywood, FL
- Coordinates: 26.029689, -80.239486 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.0297&lon=-80.2395&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31457
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31457/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA262

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, climb - to cruise
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - fatigue (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - separation
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FROM FT. LAUDERDALE, HE FELT A SEVERE VIBRATION AND SHUT DOWN THE ENG AND MADE A EMERG LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. POST CRASH INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT ONE PROPELLER BLADE SEPARATED APRX ONE FOOT FROM THE HUB. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE PROPELLER REVEALED THAT THE BLADE FAILED DUE TO FATIGUE CRACKING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4688D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4688D-1989-09-29), registration cancelled 1989-09-29, S/N 17272331 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17272331
- Airframe hours: 1500
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James R Elliott
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 8, 1984, 80 hours before
- Departed: FLL, FT LAUDERDALE, FL
- Destination: MOB, MOBILE, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 485 total, 45 in this make and model, 435 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FLL, 6 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 19850924057669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850924057669A), Sep 24, 1985: Cessna 172N, Hollywood, FL, Substantial damage. Propeller blade showed fatigue crack through 2/3 of width before final failure. Emergency landing made in pasture.

## Other investigations on N4688D (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI87LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA068), Jan 27, 1987: Cessna 172N (N4688D), Madison, IN, substantial damage

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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