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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

December 6, 2002 · Cessna 172M · N80213

Moline, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 6, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Moline, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N80213
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA040

The rental airplane returned with impact damage to its right wing, which was consistent with a tree strike. The pilot stated that he felt a bump while on a turn from base to final. The pilot stated he saw something with his right eye when he felt the bump. He added power and thought he had impacted something with the landing gear. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the local flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude clearance during a base to final turn on approach. Contributing factors to the accident were the night conditions and the trees.

Full Narrative

On December 5, 2002, at 1945 central standard time, a Cessna 172M, N80213, operated by Flying Country Club as a rental airplane, returned with substantial damage after a local flight in the traffic pattern for runway 31 (7,001 feet by 150 feet, concrete) at Quad City International Airport, Moline, Illinois. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at 1915. The pilot reported he had climbed to pattern altitude after departure and was performing a left traffic pattern. The pilot stated he "saw something out of [his] right eye" while turning from base to final, and subsequently he increased engine power to full. The pilot further reported he felt a "bump." The pilot indicated he thought he had struck something with his landing gear. The pilot reported he landed the airplane and taxied back to the hanger. The pilot further reported that the right wing had been damaged. The right wing leading edge was crushed inward and contained debris consistent with a tree strike.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 CST
Nearest AirportQuad City International (0nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length7001 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN80213
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind240° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point16 C / 7 C
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data