Probable cause
The pilot involved and the phase of flight when the damage was incurred were not determined.
NTSB analysis
During an annual inspection on February 26, 2014, a mechanic discovered buckling, compression, and kinking of both firewall sections. In addition the front floor sections, front belly sections, front belly skin, center pedestal, and numerous stringers, and angles were damaged. The airplane was operated by a flying club. The flying club was unable to factually determine when the damage took place; however, it is possible that the damage was associated with nosewheel damage that was discovered earlier on December 2, 2013.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA155 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 26, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- South Bend, Indiana
- Highest injury
- None
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N9801V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- UNK
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.