# NTSB MKC90LA043: Cessna 172, N97984, St Cloud, MN, January 7, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 7, 1990, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: St Cloud, MN
- Coordinates: 45.590213, -94.160781 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5902&lon=-94.1608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 5, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34923
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90LA043
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34923/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA043

## 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.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - from landing
  - object - pole (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

AS THE ACFT WAS BEING TAXIED BEHIND OTHER ACFT ON THE PARKING RAMP, THE LEFT WING STRUCK A LIGHT POLE AT THE EDGE OF THE RAMP. THE PLT SAID THAT HE WAS WATCHING THE RIGHT WING FOR CLEARANCE FROM A PARKED ACFT & FAILED TO NOTE THE CLOSENESS OF THE POLE.

## 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-320-02J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Anoka Flight Training
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: ANE, BLAINE, MN
- Destination: STC
- Airport: STC, St Cloud, runway 13, 5,200 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 103 total, 15 in this make and model, 69 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19900107000609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900107000609A), Jan 7, 1990: Cessna 172P, St Cloud, MN, Substantial damage. Wing struck a light pole while taxiing to park.

## 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 MKC89LA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA164), Jul 23, 1989: Cessna 172 (N97984), Duluth, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: AIRCRAFT CONTROL WAS NOT MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND DUE TO IMPROPER USE OF THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROLS.

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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