# NTSB MKC88LA091: Cessna 170B, N4510C, Bayard, NE, May 17, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1988, 11:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Bayard, NE
- Coordinates: 41.750003, -103.319808 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7500&lon=-103.3198&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34569
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88LA091
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34569/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88LA091

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - lubricating system,oil seal - leak
  - maintenance,major repair - disregarded, company/operator management
- Forced landing, cruise
  - fluid,oil - pressure too low
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - roadway/highway (contributing factor)
  - object - sign (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - fatigue(flight schedule), pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE STARTED THE TRIP, FROM NEW MEXICO TO NORTH DAKOTA, THE EVENING PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. BECAUSE OF POOR WEATHER, THE PILOT RE-ROUTED THE FLIGHT THROUGH SEVERAL ALTERNATE FUEL AND OIL STOPS. THE FLIGHT WAS EN ROUTE TO A PLANNED FUEL STOP WHEN THE ENGINE LOST OIL PRESSURE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS TOO FAR FROM A SUITABLE AIRPORT AND THE PILOT WAS FORCED TO LAND ON A HIGHWAY. THE PILOT SECURED A RIDE TO THE NEAREST TOWN AND PURCHASED OIL. AFTER ADDING OIL TO THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE HE ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF FROM THE HIGHWAY--AFTER GOING WITHOUT SLEEP FOR ALMOST 30 HOURS. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A SPEED LIMIT SIGN ON THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH ITS RIGHT WING. THE PILOT THEN LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED INTO A DITCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4510C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4510C), registered now, S/N 25454, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25454
- Airframe hours: 3435
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ayres, Vance R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 16, 1987
- Departed: FMN, FARMINGTON, NM
- Destination: ISN, WILLISTON, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 1,117 total, 1,059 as pilot in command, 46 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 11 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BFF, 14 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 19880517070039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880517070039A), May 17, 1988: Cessna 170B, Bayard, NE, Substantial damage. Landed on a road due to low oil. Added oil. Struck a road sign on takeoff, went into a ditch. Excessive oil usage.

## Other investigations on N4510C (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 FTW71DRJ19](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW71DRJ19), Oct 10, 1970: Cessna 170B (N4510C), Talco, TX, 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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