# NTSB MKC89LA183: Cessna 172, N3610L, Barnesville, MN, September 15, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1989, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Barnesville, MN
- Coordinates: 46.640171, -96.41027 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.6402&lon=-96.4103&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34851
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA183
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34851/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA183

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO INSURE THAT THE AIRCRAFT CONTAINED AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY TO COMPLETE THE FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PVT PILOT SAID THAT DURING A NORMAL, ENROUTE DESCENT FOR LANDING AT HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED IN A PLOWED FARM FIELD. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FUEL TANKS TO BE EMPTY OF USABLE FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3610L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3610L-1990-11-16), registration cancelled 1990-11-16, S/N 17253779 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17253779
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Johnson Frederick C.
- Registered owner: Johnson Frederick C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, January 1, 1989
- Departed: BWP, WAPHETON, ND
- Destination: 8M3, BARNESVILLE, MN
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 250 total, 200 in this make and model, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AXN, 60 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 19890915035089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890915035089A), Sep 15, 1989: Cessna 172G, Barnesville, MN, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel returning to airport from a local flight. Crash landed in a soft plowed field.

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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