Probable cause
Firewall damage reported by maintenance personnel that occurred during an unknown phase of flight, because the accident flight and pilot could not be determined.
NTSB analysis
During a 50 hour maintenance inspection, an airframe and power plant mechanic discovered that the airplane's firewall was substantially damaged. The operator was not able to determine when the accident flight occurred or the pilot responsible.
The airplane's last maintenance inspection occurred about three months prior to the discovery. Numerous pilots flew the airplane during that period, none of which reported an event that would result in damage to the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA161 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 10, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Galesburg, Illinois
- Highest injury
- None
Cessna 172S
- N-number
- N740SP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- UNK
Other records under this N-number
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.