# NTSB NYC87LA228: Cessna 172, N53461, Groton, CT, July 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1987, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Groton, CT
- Location: 41.3301° N, 72.0451° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at GROTON-NEW LONDON (GON), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3301&lon=-72.0451&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30715
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30715/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA228

## 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)
  - maneuver - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS TAXIING TO THE RAMP AFTER LANDING. WHILE THE PILOT WAS MANEUVERING THE AIRCRAFT INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE AIRCRAFT WAS POSITIONED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE SUN HAD BLINDED HIM TEMPORARILY.  AS THE PILOT TURNED THE AIRCRAFT THE LEFT WING CONTACTED THE LIGHT POLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N53461](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N53461-2018-01-05), registration cancelled 2018-01-05, S/N 17274756, built 1981 (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: 17274756
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aviation East
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MA07, NORFORK, MA
- Destination: GON, GROTON, CT
- Airport: GON, Groton, runway 23, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 244 total, 53 in this make and model, 129 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19870731082059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870731082059A), Jul 31, 1987: Cessna 172P, Groton - New Lo, CT, Substantial damage. Wing struck an airport light pole while turning into parkig area after landing. Pole was in a sun shadow area.

## Other investigations on N53461 (1)

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 NYC88LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA030), Nov 4, 1987: Cessna 172 (N53461), Norfolk, MA, substantial damage

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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