Cessna 172M accident near Medina, Ohio, September 10, 2004

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

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."

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.