# NTSB MKC85LA220: Cessna 172K, N78227, Kalona, IA, September 20, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1985, 08:12 local (13:12 UTC)
- Place: Kalona, IA
- Coordinates: 41.480777, -91.699668 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4808&lon=-91.6997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34037
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA220
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34037/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA220

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT ON THE INITIAL INDICATION OF RAIN, HE ELECTED TO TAKEOFF FROM THE HARVESTED SOYBEAN FIELD BEFORE IT BECAME MUDDY. THE FIELD WAS SOFT & WAS ABOUT 2100 FT LONG. BEFORE THE ACDNT, THE WIND WAS FROM THE SOUTH, SO THE PLT BEGAN HIS TAKEOFF IN THAT DIRECTION. AFTER LIFT-OFF, HE BECAME CONCERNED ABOUT TREES AHEAD & BEGAN A SHALLOW TURN. THE ACFT BEGAN SETTLING DURING THE TURN & SUBSEQUENTLY COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. AFTER THE ACDNT, THE WIND WAS NOTED TO HAVE CHANGED & WAS BLOWING FROM THE NORTH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N78227](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N78227-1986-04-03), registration cancelled 1986-04-03, S/N 17257536 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172K
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17257536
- Airframe hours: 3400
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Larry L. Enyeart
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 31, 1985, 60 hours before
- Destination: C61, WASHINGTON, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,419 total, 102 in this make and model, 1,274 as pilot in command, 127 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CID, 20 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 19850920046849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850920046849A), Sep 20, 1985: Cessna 172K, Kalona, IA, Substantial damage. Aircraft stalled after downwind takeoff from soft field. Attempted turn to avoid trees and nosed into the ground.

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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