# NTSB MKC89LA164: Cessna 172, N97984, Duluth, MN, July 23, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1989, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Duluth, MN
- Coordinates: 47.050094, -92.070549 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.0501&lon=-92.0705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34835
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34835/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA164

## Probable cause

AIRCRAFT CONTROL WAS NOT MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND DUE TO IMPROPER USE OF THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROLS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER A PERSONAL CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO LAND, WITH VARIABLE SURFACE WINDS OF 5 TO 10 KNOTS. THE PLT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY, ON TO THE SANDY BORDER, THEN NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N97984](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N97984), registered now, S/N 17276244, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17276244
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Whitney, Thomas E.
- Registered owner: Anoka Flight Training
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Departed: ANE, ANOKA, MN
- Airport: D36, Sky Harbor, runway 14, 3,051 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 119 total, 11 in this make and model, 75 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DLH, 6 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 19890723024829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890723024829A), Jul 23, 1989: Cessna 172P, Duluth, MN, Substantial damage. Lost directional control landing in moderate variable wind. And nosed over.

## Other investigations on N97984 (3)

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 LAX01LA150](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX01LA150), Apr 19, 2001: Cessna 172P (N97984), Torrance, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The failure of the pilot-in-command to execute a proper landing flare, which resulted in an improper touchdown attitude and a subsequent loss of directional control. A factor in the accident was the…
- [NTSB CHI92LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA008), Oct 17, 1991: Cessna 172P (N97984), Maple Lake, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON.
- [NTSB MKC90LA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA043), Jan 7, 1990: Cessna 172 (N97984), St Cloud, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: INADEQUATE VISUAL OUTLOOK BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE LIGHT POLE. THE LOCATION OF THE POLE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A RELATED FACTOR.

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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