# NTSB NYC02LA024: Cessna 172D, N36SK, Argyle, NY, November 2, 2001

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 2, 2001, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Argyle, NY
- Coordinates: 43.229015, -73.489143 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.2290&lon=-73.4891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 4, 2002
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA FSDO-01
- NTSB case key (mKey): 53722
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC02LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/53722/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA024

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while maneuvering.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot stated that after takeoff, about 150 feet above the ground, the oil access door opened.  The pilot decided to return for a landing, and made a left turn back towards the airport.  During the turn, the airplane lost lift an impacted an alfalfa field about 1/2 mile short of the runway.

## Factual narrative

On November 2, 2001, about 1410 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172D, N36SK, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Argyle, New York.  The certificated private pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that he took off from runway 21 at Argyle Airport  (1C3), Argyle, New York.  Shortly after departure, about 150 feet above the ground, the oil access door opened.  The pilot decided to return for a landing, and made a left turn back towards the airport.  The pilot added that due to strong winds, the airplane "lost lift," and it impacted the ground.  The airplane came to rest in an alfalfa field about 1/2 mile from the airport.  The nose gear, propeller, wings, and fuselage sustained substantial damage.  The pilot further stated that he did not experience any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

The reported wind at an airport about 8 miles northwest of the accident site, at 1353, was from 190 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 18 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N36SK](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N36SK), registered now, S/N 17250459, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172D
- Registry model: [Cessna 172D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172d) (registry code 2072410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17250459
- Airframe hours: 5014
- Engines: Continental O-300 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Walter T. Fogg
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 4, 2001, 1 hours before
- Departed: 1C3, Argyle, NY
- Airport: 1C3, Argyle Airport, runway 21, 2,400 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review March 3, 2001; seat: left; flight hours: 642 total, 31 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 14 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.04 inHg
- Observed at: GFL, 8 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 20011102029649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20011102029649A), Nov 2, 2001: Cessna 172D, Argyle, NY, No damage. (-23) Aircraft departed runway 21 at Argyle airport, and on climb out, the engine cowl oil access door popped open. At approx. 100-150 feet AGL, Mr. Fogg…

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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