# NTSB MKC89LA045: Cessna 175, N7159M, Lawrence, KS, December 22, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 22, 1988, 08:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Lawrence, KS
- Coordinates: 39.019756, -95.210464 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0198&lon=-95.2105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34740
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34740/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA045

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff
  - ignition system,spark plug - fouled (contributing factor)
  - all available runway - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Overrun, takeoff - aborted
- Nose down, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE AND LOSE POWER. HE ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP ON THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE RUNWAY. HE RAN OFF THE END, INTO A FARM FIELD, WHERE THE ACFT NOSED DOWN AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THE PLT SAID HE MADE AN INTERSECTION TAKEOFF WHICH GAVE HIM ABOUT 3000 FEET USEABLE RUNWAY INSTEAD OF THE FULL LENGTH OF 5000 FEET. INVESTIGATION REVEALED BOTH SPARK PLUGS ON NO. 3 CYLINDER TO BE MALFUNCTIONING. ONE WAS COMPLETELY DEAD AND THE OTHER FIRED INTERMITTENTLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7159M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7159M-1989-05-09), registration cancelled 1989-05-09, S/N 55459 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 175
- Registry model: [Cessna 175](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-175) (registry code 2072502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 55459
- Airframe hours: 3075
- Engines: CONTINENTAL GO-300-A 175 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fitch, Henry G.
- Registered owner: Fitch, Henry G
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 6, 1988, 11 hours before
- Destination: HNB, HUNTINGBURG, IN
- Airport: LWC, Lawrence, runway 14, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 142 total, 72 in this make and model, 107 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 25 °F, dew point 12 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TOP, 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 19881222056389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881222056389A), Dec 22, 1988: Cessna 175, Lawrence, KS, Substantial damage. Engine misfired on intersection,takeoff aborted and ran off end of runway. Both spark plugs on NR1 cylinder fouled.

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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