# NTSB MKC84LA059: Cessna 172M, N73043, Elkader, IA, January 8, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 8, 1984, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Elkader, IA
- Coordinates: 42.850605, -91.400054 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8506&lon=-91.4001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33618
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC84LA059
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33618/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA059

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsafe/hazardous condition warning - not issued, airport personnel (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, airport personnel (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING LANDING ON A SNOW-COVERED RWY AFTER STRIKING A SNOW DRIFT. THE PLT SAID HE DID NOT SEE ANY TRACKS IN THE SNOW COVERED RWY BUT SINCE THERE WAS NO NOTAM CLOSING THE ARPT HE WENT AHEAD WITH A SOFT FIELD LANDING. HE SAID THE SNOW GRABBED THE LANDING GEAR AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER WHEN IT STRUCK A DRIFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N73043](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N73043), registered now, S/N 17267250, built 1976 (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: 1626250
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E20 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: John A. Dutcher
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 12, 1983, 0 hours before
- Departed: C25, WAVERLY, IA
- Airport: C22, Elkader Muni, runway 17, 1,860 × 170 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 144 total, 139 in this make and model, 84 as pilot in command, 44 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 27 °F, dew point 16 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CID, 58 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 19840108000299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840108000299A), Jan 8, 1984: Cessna 172M, Elkader, IA, Substantial damage. Landed on a unplowed runway and nosed over in deep snow. Did not fly over airport to check conditions.

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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