On February 28, 1988, a Cessna 172N (registration N5816E) operated by Don Nelson was involved in an aviation accident near Oxford, IA. 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.
Witnesses observed an aircraft struggling to stay airborne after takeoff, with rapid wing rocking, a sharp left turn, and a pitch-up before plummeting nose-first. No fire occurred. Flaps were set to 20 degrees; engine teardown found no discrepancies.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to be in trouble immediately after takeoff. The wings were observed rocking rapidly as the airplane struggled to maintain altitude. The aircraft then turned sharply to the left, narrowly clearing a row of trees. The wing rocking continued as the aircraft approached some power lines. It was seen clearing the power lines, then hanging momentarily in mid-air before plummeting nose-first to the ground. No in-flight or post-crash fire occurred.
Aircraft Configuration
On-scene documentation indicated that the pilot had selected 20 degrees of flaps for takeoff.
Engine Examination
A complete teardown inspection of the engine revealed no preexisting discrepancies.
What happened in the 28 Feb 1988 Cessna 172N accident near Oxford, IA?
Witnesses observed an aircraft struggling to stay airborne after takeoff, with rapid wing rocking, a sharp left turn, and a pitch-up before plummeting nose-first. No fire occurred. Flaps were set to 20 degrees; engine teardown found no discrepancies.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Feb 1988 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5816E, operated by Don Nelson, at Oxford, IA.
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