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NTSB Report
May 17, 1988 · Cessna 170B · N4510C
Bayard, NE
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bayard, NE
Aircraft
Cessna 170B
Tail Number
N4510C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC88LA091
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE STARTED THE TRIP, FROM NEW MEXICO TO NORTH DAKOTA, THE EVENING PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. BECAUSE OF POOR WEATHER, THE PILOT RE-ROUTED THE FLIGHT THROUGH SEVERAL ALTERNATE FUEL AND OIL STOPS. THE FLIGHT WAS EN ROUTE TO A PLANNED FUEL STOP WHEN THE ENGINE LOST OIL PRESSURE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS TOO FAR FROM A SUITABLE AIRPORT AND THE PILOT WAS FORCED TO LAND ON A HIGHWAY. THE PILOT SECURED A RIDE TO THE NEAREST TOWN AND PURCHASED OIL. AFTER ADDING OIL TO THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE HE ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF FROM THE HIGHWAY--AFTER GOING WITHOUT SLEEP FOR ALMOST 30 HOURS. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A SPEED LIMIT SIGN ON THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH ITS RIGHT WING. THE PILOT THEN LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED INTO A DITCH.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE STARTED THE TRIP, FROM NEW MEXICO TO NORTH DAKOTA, THE EVENING PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. BECAUSE OF POOR WEATHER, THE PILOT RE-ROUTED THE FLIGHT THROUGH SEVERAL ALTERNATE FUEL AND OIL STOPS. THE FLIGHT WAS EN ROUTE TO A PLANNED FUEL STOP WHEN THE ENGINE LOST OIL PRESSURE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS TOO FAR FROM A SUITABLE AIRPORT AND THE PILOT WAS FORCED TO LAND ON A HIGHWAY. THE PILOT SECURED A RIDE TO THE NEAREST TOWN AND PURCHASED OIL. AFTER ADDING OIL TO THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE HE ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF FROM THE HIGHWAY--AFTER GOING WITHOUT SLEEP FOR ALMOST 30 HOURS. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A SPEED LIMIT SIGN ON THE EDGE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH ITS RIGHT WING. THE PILOT THEN LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED INTO A DITCH.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 170B
Tail NumberN4510C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-145-2 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 3 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC