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NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 10, 1997 · Cessna 172P · N65753

Cleveland, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 10, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Cleveland, OK
Aircraft
Cessna 172P
Tail Number
N65753
Operator
Oklahoma State University
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA116

The pilot, who is also an A&P mechanic, installed and torqued a new helicoil and spark plug. A satisfactory engine run was completed. During takeoff climb, at 300 feet AGL, 'the engine popped and lost power.' The pilot executed a 180-degree turn, and 'landed fast downwind.' During the landing roll, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and 'encountered a rut and flipped over' damaging both wings. An examination of the airplane revealed that the newly installed spark plug was hanging by its ignition wire.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot/mechanic's improper installation of the spark plug, resulting in its separation from the engine. A factor was the unsuitable terrain available in the runway's overrun area.

Full Narrative

On March 10, 1997, at 1645 central standard time, a Cessna 172P, N65753, registered to Christiansen Aviation, Inc., and operated by the Oklahoma State University Flight School, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power near Cleveland, Oklahoma. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the proposed positioning flight to Stillwater, Texas, and a flight plan was not filed. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating from Cleveland Municipal Airport at the time of the accident. The pilot, who is also a certificated mechanic, reported that he had installed and torqued a new helicoil and spark plug. A satisfactory engine run was completed. During takeoff climb from runway 18, while at 300 feet AGL, "the engine popped and lost power." He executed a 180 degree turn, and "landed fast downwind" on runway 36. During the landing roll, the aircraft overran the end of the runway and "encountered a rut and flipped over." An examination of the airplane by a FAA inspector revealed that the newly installed spark plug was hanging by its ignition wire, and both wings were structurally damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 CST
Nearest AirportCleveland Municipal (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172P
Tail NumberN65753
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorOklahoma State University
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D2J · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data