# NTSB MKC89LA143: Cessna 172, N3814S, Sauk Rapids, MN, June 22, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1989, 18:10 local (23:10 UTC)
- Place: Sauk Rapids, MN
- Coordinates: 45.589202, -94.160385 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5892&lon=-94.1604&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 19, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34818
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA143
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34818/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA143

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PROPERLY SECURE THE OIL CAP WHEN HE SERVICED THE AIRCRAFT AND OIL STARVATION. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE TERRAIN CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise
  - lubricating system,oil filler cap - not secured (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,oil - starvation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose down, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT DURING A X-COUNTRY FLT, THE ENG BEGAN SHAKING & SMOKING. HE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A CULTIVATED FIELD, BUT THE ACFT NOSED DOWN IN SOFT MUDDY TERRAIN & WAS DAMAGED. THE PLT RPRTD THAT BEFORE HE TOOK OFF, HE SERVICED THE ACFT WITH FUEL. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE ADDED ONE QUART OF OIL, CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL & REPLACED THE OIL CAP. HOWEVER, AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE OIL CAP WAS ABSENT & THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3814S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3814S), registered now, S/N 17251014, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172e) (registry code 2072412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17251014
- Airframe hours: 3102
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Nodak Flying Club
- Registered owner: North Eastern Aviation Ltd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 20, 1989, 112 hours before
- Departed: GFK, GRAND FORKS, ND
- Destination: STC, ST CLOUD, MN
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 204 total, 17 in this make and model, 97 as pilot in command, 44 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19890622020589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890622020589A), Jun 22, 1989: Cessna 172E, Sauk Rapids, MN, Substantial damage. Loud bang and vibration and smoke from engine. Nosed up in soft field. Engine ran out of oil. Oil cap not fastened.

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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