# NTSB MKC85LA148: Cessna 172B, N51611, Valley Center, KS, July 4, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1985, 21:20 local (Jul 4, 1985, 02:20 UTC)
- Place: Valley Center, KS
- Coordinates: 37.830261, -97.370979 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8303&lon=-97.3710&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33978
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA148
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33978/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA148

## Sequence of events

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

- Overrun, takeoff - roll/run
  - flt control syst,elevator trim indicator - false indication (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD BEEN FLYING WITH HIS YOUNG SON AS PASSENGER DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. HE WENT SOLO TO GET CURRENT AT NIGHT. AFTER TWO FULL STOP LANDINGS, HE THOUGHT THE YOKE FELT HEAVY FOR THE TRIM SETTING HE USUALLY USED BUT HE STARTED A TAKEOFF ANYWAY. HALFWAY DOWN THE RUNWAY HE USED MORE NOSE-UP TRIM BUT THE CONTROLS STILL FELT HEAVY SO HE ABORTED THE TAKEOFF. HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON THE RUNWAY AND WENT OFF THE FOUR FOOT HIGH BANK OF DIRT. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE ELEVATOR TRIM POSITION INDICATOR DID NOT INDICATE THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE ELEVATOR TRIM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N51611](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N51611-2013-03-18), registration cancelled 2013-03-18, S/N 17274329, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172B
- Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17274329
- Airframe hours: 200
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William H. Adsit
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 23, 1984
- Airport: 3KS5, High Point, runway 17, 2,400 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## 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: 256 total, 143 in this make and model, 191 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F

## 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 19850703045789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850703045789A), Jul 3, 1985: Cessna 172P, Valley Center, KS, Substantial damage. Aborted takeoff due to heavy elevator control. Ran off end of runway. Trim setting error. Failed to compensate.

## Other investigations on N51611 (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 FTW03LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03LA165), Jun 2, 2003: Cessna 172P (N51611), Gainesville, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. Contributing factors were the prevailing crosswind and the pilot's failure to abort landing.

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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