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NTSB Report
January 23, 1986 · Cessna 172M · N20889
Mcallen, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 23, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mcallen, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N20889
Operator
Robert Harriss
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW86LRG11
THE ACFT CRASHED INTO TWO TREES DURING A FORCED LANDING AFTER THE ENG LOST PWR. THE PLT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF LNDG AT AN ARPT WHEN THE CONTROLLER ASKED HIM TO MAKE A 360 TURN BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC AND TO USE RWY 13 INSTEAD OF 18. AS THE PLT TURNED RT FOR A NEW BASE LEG THE ENG STOPPED. THE PLT NEVER ADVISED THE TWR OF A LOW FUEL STATE OR ASKED FOR EMERGENCY PRIORITY LNDG. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENG AND LNDED IN A WOODED AREA. THE CRASH RUPTURED THE FUEL LINES BUT THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL SPILLAGE OR FUEL IN ANY OF THE ACFT TANKS.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT CRASHED INTO TWO TREES DURING A FORCED LANDING AFTER THE ENG LOST PWR. THE PLT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF LNDG AT AN ARPT WHEN THE CONTROLLER ASKED HIM TO MAKE A 360 TURN BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC AND TO USE RWY 13 INSTEAD OF 18. AS THE PLT TURNED RT FOR A NEW BASE LEG THE ENG STOPPED. THE PLT NEVER ADVISED THE TWR OF A LOW FUEL STATE OR ASKED FOR EMERGENCY PRIORITY LNDG. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENG AND LNDED IN A WOODED AREA. THE CRASH RUPTURED THE FUEL LINES BUT THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL SPILLAGE OR FUEL IN ANY OF THE ACFT TANKS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 CST
Nearest AirportMiller International Arpt (1nm W)
Runway13
Runway Length7103 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN20889
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert Harriss
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-320-EZD · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind90° @ 9 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 59
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:50
Weather SourcePILO