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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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

May 3, 1986 · Cessna 172E · N3960S

Clyde, OH

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 3, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Clyde, OH
Aircraft
Cessna 172E
Tail Number
N3960S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL86LA122

THE ACFT WAS APPROACHING A GRASS AIRSTRIP WHEN THE ENG QUIT.A LANDING SHORT OF THE RWY IN A WHEAT FIELD RESULTED IN A COLLAPSED NOSE GEAR. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED A BIRDS NEST INSIDE THE ENG COWLING, A DEAD MAGNETO, REVERSED 'P' LEADS, AND ONE SHORTED SPARKPLUG. A FUEL SAMPLE DID NOT HAVE THE APPEARANCE OF AVIATION FUEL. THE ACFT DID NOT HAVE A CURRENT ANNUAL INSPECTION RECORDED IN THE LOG BOOK.

Full Narrative

THE ACFT WAS APPROACHING A GRASS AIRSTRIP WHEN THE ENG QUIT.A LANDING SHORT OF THE RWY IN A WHEAT FIELD RESULTED IN A COLLAPSED NOSE GEAR. EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED A BIRDS NEST INSIDE THE ENG COWLING, A DEAD MAGNETO, REVERSED 'P' LEADS, AND ONE SHORTED SPARKPLUG. A FUEL SAMPLE DID NOT HAVE THE APPEARANCE OF AVIATION FUEL. THE ACFT DID NOT HAVE A CURRENT ANNUAL INSPECTION RECORDED IN THE LOG BOOK.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWeiker Field (1nm S)
Runway0
Runway Length1745 ft
Runway Width125 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172E
Tail NumberN3960S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 25 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data