# NTSB ATL83LA057: Cessna 182B, N4718S, Huntsville, AL, December 9, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1982, 17:32 local (23:32 UTC)
- Place: Huntsville, AL
- Location: 34.7304° N, 86.5861° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Huntsville, AL, within about 9 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- NTSB coordinates: 30.400201, -86.489303 (estimated), outside the stated state
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7304&lon=-86.5861&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 9, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71130
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA057
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71130/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA057

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING A LANDING APPROACH IN INSTRUMENT MEEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON A DARK NIGHT. A VFR FLIGHT PLAN WAS FILED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DAMAGED IN THE COLLISION BUT THE PILOT MANAGED TO CONTINUE THE APPROACH AND LAND. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. NO VASI WAS AVAILABLE AND THE AIRPORT ELEVATION IS 630 FEET. THE PILOT NORMALLY LANDS AT AN AIRPORT WITH AN ELEVATION OF 22 FEET.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4718S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4718S-2003-02-19), registration cancelled 2003-02-19, S/N R18201401, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182B
- Registry model: [Cessna R182](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-r182) (registry code 2072734) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: R18201401
- Airframe hours: 371
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-J3C50 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Miracle Strip Aviation
- Registered owner: Ray C. Morgan
- Departed: AI, 81J, FL
- Destination: AI, HSV, AL
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Madison County Airport, runway 36, 8,000 × 0 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 295 total, 17 in this make and model, 173 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 350° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 108 °F

## 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 19821209062939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821209062939A), Dec 9, 1982: Cessna R182, Huntsville, AL, Substantial damage. Confused pilot needed extra help in locating proper airport. Aircraft then struck trees on final. Landed on runway.

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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