# NTSB ATL83FIG03: Cessna 172F, N8515U, Hancock, MD, January 2, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: January 2, 1983, 11:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Hancock, MD
- Coordinates: 39.700546, -78.170463 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7005&lon=-78.1705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious, 2 minor; on the ground: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5959
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83FIG03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5959/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FIG03

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE TOP TWO WIRES OF A POWERLINE DURING A LOW ALTITUDE SIGHT-SEEING FLIGHT ALONG THE POTOMAC RIVER. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS MAINTAINING VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE GROUND SHOULD AN EMERGENCY LANDING BECOME NECESSARY. HE WAS STAYING HIGH ENOUGH FOR CLEARANCE OF THE TREES. HE STATED THAT APPARENTLY THE TERRAIN WAS GETTING HIGHER WITHOUT HIS AWARENESS AND SUDDENLY THE WIRES BECAME VISIBLE JUST BEFORE THE COLLISION. ONE WIRE CONTACTED THE LANDING GEAR AND THE ACFT PITCHED DOWN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED ON A ROCKY LEDGE ON AN ISLAND IN THE RIVER. THE FREE END OF ONE OF THE WIRES RECOILED ONTO HIGHWAY I-70 AND STRUCK TWO CARS CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO 2 PERSONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8515U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8515U-2013-05-10), registration cancelled 2013-05-10, S/N 17252415, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172F
- Registry model: [Cessna 172F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172f) (registry code 2072414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172-52415
- Airframe hours: 2822
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David J. Alt, Sr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1982, 30 hours before
- Departed: W35, HANCOCK, MD
- Airport: W35, Potomac Airpark

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 501 total, 388 in this make and model, 393 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HGR, 16 nm away

## 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 19830102008969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830102008969A), Jan 2, 1983: Cessna 172F, Hancock, MD, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Aircraft flying low along river collided with wires and crashed into river.

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

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