Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

September 10, 2004 · Cessna 172M · N172WW

Medina, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 10, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Medina, OH
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N172WW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04LA211

During the takeoff roll, as the pilot rotated at 60 knots, he felt the airplane was "slow to lift," and aborted the takeoff. He reduced the power to idle and applied the brakes; however, the airplane traveled off the end of the runway, impacted a fence, and nosed over in a ditch. Examination of the Lycoming engine revealed low compression in the number 3 cylinder, due to a fractured cylinder ring. The last 100-hour inspection was performed approximately 3 weeks prior to the accident, and the airplane had flown 1 hour since then. The entry for the inspection revealed a compression check of the number 3 cylinder resulted in a reading of 55/80 psi. According to 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D, "Each person shall inspect components of the engine and nacelle as follows...Internal engine - for cylinder compression...If there is a weak cylinder compression, [inspect] for improper internal condition and improper internal tolerances." Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1191A, stated in part, "Pressure readings for all cylinders should be nearly equal...a difference of 10 to 15 psi indicates an investigation should be made...if the pressure reading for cylinders is below 60 psi...removal and overhaul of the cylinders should be considered."

NTSB Probable Cause

The partial loss of engine power due to inadequate maintenance and by failure to comply with service instruction for low engine compression.

Full Narrative

On September 10, 2004, at 1150 eastern daylight time, N172WW, a Cessna 172M, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff at the Medina Municipal Airport (1G5), Medina, Ohio. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to perform three takeoffs and landings to maintain his 90-day currency to carry passengers. He completed three takeoffs and landings from runway 01 without incident, and then decided to perform one more. During the fourth takeoff, as the pilot rotated at 60 knots, he felt the airplane was "slow to lift." The pilot decided the airplane would not make it over the roadway and wires at the end of the runway, and he aborted the takeoff. He reduced the power to idle, applied the brakes, and used 40 degrees of flaps; however, the airplane traveled off the end of the runway, impacted a fence, and nosed over in a ditch. A witness, who was on the taxiway located at the departure end of runway 01, heard a change of engine power during the airplane's takeoff roll, followed by the sound of tires "squelling on the pavement." He then observed the airplane travel off the end of runway 01 and impact a fence. Examination of the Lycoming engine by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, after the accident, revealed low compression (34/80) in the number 3 cylinder. The cylinder was then removed from the engine and further examination revealed that a cylinder ring was fractured. According to the engine logbook, the last 100-hour inspection was performed on August 20, 2004. The entry for the inspection revealed a compression check of the number 3 cylinder resulted in a reading of 55/80 psi. The number 1, 2, and 4 compression check values were 66/80, 70/80, and 62/80, respectively. The airplane had flown approximately 1 hour since the annual inspection. According to 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix D, Scope and Detail of Items to be Included in Annual and 100-hour Inspections, "Each person shall inspect components of the engine and nacelle as follows...Internal engine - for cylinder compression...If there is a weak cylinder compression, [inspect] for improper internal condition and improper internal tolerances." Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1191A, Cylinder Compression, stated in part, "Pressure readings for all cylinders should be nearly equal...a difference of 10 to 15 psi indicates an investigation should be made...if the pressure reading for cylinders is below 60 psi...removal and overhaul of the cylinders should be considered."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:50 EDT
Nearest AirportMedina Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway01
Runway Length2867 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN172WW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 76 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 52
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data