# NTSB ANC85LA074: Cessna 172, N52174, Nightmute, AK, April 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 27, 1985, 13:40 local (17:40 UTC)
- Place: Nightmute, AK
- Location: 60.4794° N, 164.7239° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Nightmute, AK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=60.4794&lon=-164.7239&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4486
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC85LA074
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4486/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA074

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT CRASHED & WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE WIND WAS FROM 290 DEG AT 25 GUSTING 35 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N52174](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N52174-2012-06-13), registration cancelled 2012-06-13, S/N 17274426, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17274426
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Village Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: BET, BETHEL, AK
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: AK08, Nightmute, runway 20, 200 × 40 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,470 total, 330 in this make and model, 3,550 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 110 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 25 knots, gusting 35
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 16 °F, dew point 1 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850427015899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850427015899A), Apr 27, 1985: Cessna 172P, Nightmute, AK, Substantial damage. Shortly after takeoff pilot lost directional control and crashed. Strong crosswind a factor.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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