# NTSB MIA88LA272: Cessna 172F, N8707U, Lake Wales, FL, September 23, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 23, 1988, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Lake Wales, FL
- Coordinates: 27.900171, -81.580429 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.9002&lon=-81.5804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32239
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA88LA272
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32239/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA272

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - object - fence
  - object - tree(s)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - lowering of flaps - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

THE PLT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF FROM THE 'THICK, WET' GRASS STRIP BECAUSE THE ACFT WAS NOT ACCELERATING 'ADEQUATELY.' HE APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT IT WENT OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY, COLLIDED WITH A FENCE, TREE, AND DIRT MOUND BEFORE COMING TO REST. THERE WAS NO ENGINE FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8707U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8707U-2007-10-31), registration cancelled 2007-10-31, S/N 17252611, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172F
- Registry model: [Cessna 172F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172f) (registry code 2072414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17252611
- Airframe hours: 3581
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Reed, Charles E.
- Registered owner: Wirtschafter, I.N. & Reed, C.E
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1988, 9 hours before
- Destination: COI, COCOA, FL
- Airport: X25, Charlet Suzanne Airstrip, runway 18, 2,450 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 264 total, 203 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BOW, 9 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 19880923040229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880923040229A), Sep 23, 1988: Cessna 172F, Lakes Wales, FL, Substantial damage. Not accelerating on takeoff roll. Aborted too late and slid off end of runway into trees fence and dirt mounds.

## Other investigations on N8707U (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 SEA06CA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA06CA148), Jul 29, 2006: Cessna 172F (N8707U), American Falls, ID, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain an airspeed above stall speed. Factors include his improper decision to takeoff with a tailwind, and the effects of the tailwind upon the aircraft's takeoff…

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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