# NTSB MIA89LA152: Cessna 172M, N9139H, Okeechobee, FL, May 23, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 22, 1989, 20:09 local (May 23, 1989, 00:09 UTC)
- Place: Okeechobee, FL
- Coordinates: 26.529653, -80.190292 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.5297&lon=-80.1903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32436
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA152
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32436/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA152

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PREPARATION WHEN HE FAILED TO RECHECK WEATHER CONDITIONS AFTER HE DELAYED TAKEOFF BECAUSE OF THUNDERSTROMS. ALSO, THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT DECISION TO LAND OFF-AIRPORT RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - turbulence(thunderstorms)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command
  - light condition - dusk
  - not corrected, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE THE PLT WAS BRIEFED BY FSS PERSONNEL THAT THUNDERSTORMS EXISTED ALONG THE ROUTE OF FLT & ADVISED TO WAIT AN HOUR FOR MOVEMENT TO THE EAST. THE PLT DID NOT CONTACT THE FSS AGAIN PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. THE FLT DEPARTED 1 HR 29 MINUTES LATER & WHEN NORTH OF LAKE OKEECHOBEE, FL, ENCOUNTERED WEATHER ASSOCIATED WITH A THUNDERSTORM & WITH DARKNESS APPROACHING, ELECTED TO PERFORM A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE NOSE GEAR COLLIDED WITH A MOUND OF DIRT, COLLAPSING IT, & BOTH WINGS COLLIDED WITH TREES BEFORE THE AIRPLANE STOPPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9139H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9139H-2013-05-22), registration cancelled 2013-05-22, S/N 17265968, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17265968
- Airframe hours: 3157
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: General Aviation Int'L Corp.
- Registered owner: General Aviation Int'L. Corp.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 25, 1989, 96 hours before
- Departed: SFB, SANFORD, FL
- Destination: TMB, MIAMI, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 250 total, 50 in this make and model, 150 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 42 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VRB, 22 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 19890522012729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890522012729A), May 22, 1989: Cessna 172M, Okeechobee, FL, Substantial damage. Advised of bad weather en route. Went anyway. Ran into weather near dark. Elected to land. Hit dirt bank and trees.

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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