# NTSB NYC93LA003: Cessna 172, N3980F, Marengo, OH, October 3, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 3, 1992, 18:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Marengo, OH
- Coordinates: 40.39952, -82.808998 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3995&lon=-82.8090&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37247
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC93LA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37247/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA003

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DUE TO SUNGLARE, WHICH RESULTED IN A TREE STRIKE ON FINAL APPROACH.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - sunglare (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS LANDING ON A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP SURROUNDED BY TREES.  AS HE TURNED FINAL, HE REPORTED THE SUN WAS IN HIS EYES AND HE DRIFTED RIGHT OF COURSE, AND STRUCK A TREE WITH THE RIGHT WING.  THE PILOT SAID HE LOST AIRSPEED AND WAS UNABLE TO FLARE.  DURING THE TOUCHDOWN, THE NOSE WHEEL AND LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE ENGINE WAS TORN FROM ITS MOUNTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3980F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3980F-2013-09-26), registration cancelled 2013-09-26, S/N 36880, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36880
- Airframe hours: 3337
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John A. Zurik
- Registered owner: Flyers Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 25, 1992, 67 hours before
- Departed: 6G4, MT. VERNON, OH
- Airport: 0OH4, Zurik, runway 26, 1,800 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 294 total, 77 in this make and model, 15 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CMH, 21 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 19921003042539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921003042539A), Oct 3, 1992: Cessna 172, Olive Green, OH, Substantial damage. Sun blinded on final,drifted into a 70 foot AGL tree off right side of runway.

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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