# NTSB ATL82DA272: Cessna 172RG, N5115U, Prospect, KY, September 13, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1982, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Prospect, KY
- Coordinates: 38.010368, -84.479553 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0104&lon=-84.4796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 13, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72313
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82DA272
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72313/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA272

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - normal
  - electrical system,alternator - worn (cause)
  - electrical system - failure,total (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - loose objects (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS RETURNING TO HIS DEPARTURE POINT DUE TO ENCOUNTERING ROUGH WX. WHILE DESCENDING TO 4,000 FT FOR AN ILS APPROACH THE PLT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE PLT ELECTED TO DESCEND TO VFR CONDITIONS & BROKE OUT ABOUT 100 FT AGL. THE PLT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD, STRUCK A DITCH & OVERTURNED. EXAMINATION OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REVEALED ONE ALTERNATOR BRUSH COMPLETELY WORN WITH EVIDENCE OF ROTATIONAL GRINDING ON THE COMMUTATOR BARS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5115U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5115U-1989-07-22), registration cancelled 1989-07-22, S/N 172RG0244 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 172RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172rg) (registry code 2072438) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172RG0244
- Airframe hours: 789
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-F1A6 185 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Mr. Jeffery Byrd
- Registered owner: Don Carter
- Departed: LOUISVILLE, KY
- Destination: TRI CITY, TN
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 18; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 299 total, 24 in this make and model, 266 as pilot in command, 98 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Visibility: 1 statute miles

## 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 19820913045729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820913045729A), Sep 13, 1982: Cessna 172RG, Prospect, KY, Substantial damage. During IFR flight in IMC pilot lost communications because of alternator failure. Crashed during emergency landing.

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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