# NTSB ATL83LA356: Cessna 172C, N8338X, Portsmouth Isl., NC, August 30, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1983, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Portsmouth Isl., NC
- Coordinates: 36.009063, -75.660354 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0091&lon=-75.6604&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6194
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA356
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6194/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA356

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

BEFORE HAULING PASSENGERS, THE PLT ELECTED TO MAKE A FLT TO SURVEY THE AREA & TO PRACTICE A LANDING ON PORTSMOUTH ISLAND. HE ESTIMATED THAT THE WIND AT PORTSMOUTH WAS FROM THE NORTH AT 15 TO 20 KTS. ALSO, HE SAID THAT THE ARPT WAS ORIENTED TOWARD THE NORTHEAST & THAT TREES FORMED A BARRIER ON THE WEST & SOUTH SIDES OF THE RWY. WHILE ON A SHORT FINAL APCH WITH FULL FLAPS, AT ABOUT 200 FT & 67 MPH, THE STALL WARNING HORN SOUNDED, THE NOSE PITCHED DOWN & THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL, THE STALL SPEED WITH FULL FLAPS WAS 49 MPH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8338X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8338X), registered now, S/N 17248838, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172C
- Registry model: [Cessna 172C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172c) (registry code 2072408) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17248838
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dhw Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: OCRACOKE ISLAND, NC
- Airport: NONE, Portsmouth Island, runway 6, 3,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 17 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HAT, 25 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 19830830075349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830830075349A), Aug 30, 1983: Cessna 172C, Portsmouth Isla, NC, Substantial damage. Pilot stalled aircraft on final approach practicing a short field 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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