On September 3, 1987, a Cessna 172 (registration N78505) operated by John Mcdonald was involved in an aviation accident near Tappahannock, VA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a 300 RPM power loss at 1500 MSL. The pilot attempted a precautionary landing on a private grass strip, but the left wing struck corn stalks, leading to loss of control and entry into a cornfield. No malfunction was found.
Event Description
During flight at 1500 feet above mean sea level (MSL), the aircraft experienced a loss of 300 revolutions per minute (RPM) in engine power. The pilot sighted a private landing strip and decided to perform a precautionary landing.
Landing and Wing Strike
The landing strip was a grass surface measuring 62 feet in width. During the landing roll, the left wing of the aircraft struck corn stalks in an adjacent cornfield. The pilot subsequently experienced a loss of control, and the aircraft veered to the left, entering the cornfield.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the aircraft following the incident did not reveal any evidence of mechanical malfunction. The conditions at the time were noted to be conducive for carburetor icing.
What happened in the 3 Sept 1987 Cessna 172 accident near Tappahannock, VA?
An aircraft experienced a 300 RPM power loss at 1500 MSL. The pilot attempted a precautionary landing on a private grass strip, but the left wing struck corn stalks, leading to loss of control and entry into a cornfield. No malfunction was found.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Sept 1987 involved a Cessna 172, registration N78505, operated by John Mcdonald, at Tappahannock, VA.
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