# NTSB MKC87LA076: Cessna 172, N79179, Muscatine, IA, April 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 5, 1987, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Muscatine, IA
- Coordinates: 41.409599, -91.070411 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4096&lon=-91.0704&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34362
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34362/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA076

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - performance data - disregarded, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

THE GRASS RUNWAY WAS 1300 FEET LONG. THE WIND WAS 90 DEGREES CROSS AT 5 KNOTS, GUSTS TO 20 KTS. THE INSTRUCTOR SAID THEY HAD A WIND SHIFT AND THEN THEY HIT A SOFT SPOT NEAR THE END OF THE RUNWAY WHICH SLOWED THEM. THE ELEVATOR AND STABILIZER CAUGHT ON A BARBED WIRE FENCE. THE AIRPLANE ENDED UP IN A DITCH BETWEEN THE FENCE AND A ROAD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N79179](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N79179-2015-05-04), registration cancelled 2015-05-04, S/N 17257938, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17257938
- Airframe hours: 2800
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Guest
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: Henry Rahlf'S Farm Strip, runway 27, 1,300 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 2,309 total, 610 in this make and model, 2,293 as pilot in command, 88 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19870405008469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870405008469A), Apr 5, 1987: Cessna 172K, Muscatine, IA, Destroyed. The aircraft hit a fence during takeoff and impacted in a field. Instructor failed to note wind or runway condition

## Other investigations on N79179 (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 MIA70F0064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA70F0064), Jul 14, 1969: Cessna 172K (N79179), Jackson, MS, substantial damage

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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