# NTSB MKC86LA184: Cessna 172N, N738CH, Vichy, MO, September 1, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1986, 23:00 local (Sep 1, 1986, 04:00 UTC)
- Place: Vichy, MO
- Coordinates: 38.11063, -91.759971 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1106&lon=-91.7600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34243
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC86LA184
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34243/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA184

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - electrical system - output low
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - electrical system,alternator - failure,total
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - attempted, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ditch (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT'S AMMETER INDICATED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DISCHARGING WHILE AT CRUISE FIVE MILES WEST OF ROLLA NATIONAL AIRPORT, MISSOURI, AND THAT HE DECIDED TO CONTINUE TO HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT. FIFTEEN MILES EAST OF ROLLA NATIONAL AIRPORT, THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND A DECISION WAS MADE TO TURN BACK AND LAND AT ROLLA AIRPORT. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON WHAT HE THROUGH WAS A RUNWAY; HOWEVER, IT TURNED OUT TO BE A ROAD AND THE AIRCRAFT GROUND LOOPED INTO A DITCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N738CH (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17269868
- Airframe hours: 2730
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard E. Kiernan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 30, 1986
- Departed: H21, CAMDENTON, MO
- Destination: SUS, ST. LOUIS, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 181 total, 23 in this make and model, 126 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 100° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VIH, 75 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 19860831086789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860831086789A), Aug 31, 1986: Cessna 172N, Vichy__________, MO, Substantial damage. Aircraft ground looped on a road during a night precautionary landing. Electrical failure. Mistook road for runway.

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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