# NTSB MKC87LA089: Cessna 172E, N3777S, Moorhead, IA, April 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1987, 17:50 local (22:50 UTC)
- Place: Moorhead, IA
- Coordinates: 41.920139, -95.850547 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9201&lon=-95.8505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34370
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA089
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34370/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA089

## Probable cause

ACCORDING TO FAA STATEMENTS, THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF FROM A TAXIWAY WHEN A WING DIPPED. THE PILOT THEN LOST CONTROL AS THE WING DRAGGED, CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO GROUND LOOP/SWERVE ONTO THE TERRAIN. THE NOSE GEAR TIRE BLEW DURING THE SWERVE AND THE NOSE GEAR ASSEMBLY COLLAPSED BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP. THE TAIL SECTION OF THE AIRPLANE WAS ALSO DAMAGED, AS WELL AS THE WING TIPS. THE PILOT DID NOT RESPOND TO INQUIRIES ABOUT THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - roll/run
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - unapproved (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
- Nose gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO FAA STATEMENTS, THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF FROM A TAXIWAY WHEN A WING DIPPED. THE PILOT THEN LOST CONTROL AS THE WING DRAGGED, CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO GROUND LOOP/SWERVE ONTO THE TERRAIN. THE NOSE GEAR TIRE BLEW DURING THE SWERVE AND THE NOSE GEAR ASSEMBLY COLLAPSED BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO A STOP. THE TAIL SECTION OF THE AIRPLANE WAS ALSO DAMAGED, AS WELL AS THE WING TIPS. THE PILOT DID NOT RESPOND TO INQUIRIES ABOUT THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3777S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3777S-1989-07-25), registration cancelled 1989-07-25, S/N 17250977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172E
- Registry model: [Cessna 172E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172e) (registry code 2072412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17250977
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Park M. Blaine
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Airport: 4IA5, Rose Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total, 50 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OMA, 37 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 19870423010869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870423010869A), Apr 23, 1987: Cessna 172E, Moorhead, IA, Substantial damage. On takeoff from taxiway plane did wing dip. Pilot lost control as wings scraped runway. Ground looped damaging gear

## Other investigations on N3777S (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 CHI65D0065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI65D0065), Mar 22, 1965: Cessna 172 (N3777S), Winchester, KY, 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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