# NTSB SEA86FA054: Cessna 172N, N738XX, Renton, WA, February 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 9, 1986, 11:50 local (19:50 UTC)
- Place: Renton, WA
- Coordinates: 47.4607, -122.209403 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4607&lon=-122.2094&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40270
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86FA054
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40270/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86FA054

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - throttle/power lever,push/pull rod - disconnected (cause)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - panic, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE RECENTLY CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PILOT WAS ENGAGED IN PRACTICE TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS. SOMETIME AFTER THE SECOND APPROACH THE THROTTLE CONTROL ROD BECAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE THROTTLE CABLE AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RETARD THE THROTTLE FROM A FULL POWER CONDITION. THE PILOT SUBSEQUENTLY MANEUVERED THE AIRCRAFT BACK TOWARDS THE AIRPORT IN A HIGH SPEED, CLEAN, DESCENDING PROFILE AND OVERSHOT THE FINAL APPROACH EVENTUALLY COLLIDING WITH TREES AND A FENCE SLIGHTLY NORTHWEST OF MIDFIELD. THERE WAS NO APPARENT ATTEMPT BY THE PILOT TO EXECUTE THE STUCK THROTTLE PROCEDURES WHICH HER FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR HAD PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED TO HER WHILE UNDER TRAINING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N738XX](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N738XX-1986-09-10), registration cancelled 1986-09-10, S/N 17270328 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17270328
- Airframe hours: 1452
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Flight Tech
- Registered owner: Daniel B. & Marian B. Hartley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 24, 1986, 32 hours before
- Departed: BFI, SEATTLE, WA
- Airport: RNT, Renton Municipal, runway 12, 5,379 × 200 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 105 total, 14 in this make and model, 32 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RNT

## 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 19860209029579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860209029579A), Feb 9, 1986: Cessna 172N, Renton, WA, Destroyed. Throttle knob shaft separated from cable. Butterfly valve off of carburetor. Hit trees landing with full throttle.

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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