# NTSB ATL84FKG07: Cessna 172P, N53655, Atlanta, GA, March 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: March 18, 1984, 19:15 local (Mar 19, 1984, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Atlanta, GA
- Coordinates: 33.660541, -84.39064 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6605&lon=-84.3906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6314
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84FKG07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6314/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FKG07

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH HIS RADIOS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/ENG GAGES & AMMETER, SO HE TURNED OFF HIS ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PREPARED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING. BECAUSE HE WAS AFRAID OF FUEL EXHAUSTION, HIS SPACING BEHIND ANOTHER ACFT IN THE LANDING PATTERN WAS CLOSE & HE ENCOUNTERED WAKE TURBULENCE AS HE FLARED. THE RGT WING HIT THEGROUND & THE ACFT SLID TO A STOP. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DEAD, THERE WAS A FAULTY BATTERY CONTACTOR & THE STARTER WAS ENGAGED. DURING A TEST FLT AFTER REPAIRS, THE ALTERNATOR CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTIONED. IT WAS CHANGED & NO FURTHER DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system - undetermined (cause)
  - engine accessories,engine starter - engaged
  - electrical system,alternator - disabled
  - electrical system,battery - other
  - comm/nav equipment - inoperative
- Vortex turbulence encountered, landing - flare/touchdown
  - performed, pilot in command
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - low level (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - visual separation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N53655](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N53655-2009-10-28), registration cancelled 2009-10-28, S/N 17274796, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172P
- 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: 17274796
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Russell H. Bellmor
- Registered owner: Steve E. Johnson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TV1, THOMASVILLE, GA
- Destination: 8A4, MARIETTA, GA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: ATL, Atlanta/Thl, runway 27L, 9,000 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 372 total, 40 in this make and model, 285 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °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 19840318007409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840318007409A), Mar 18, 1984: Cessna 172P, Atlanta, GA, Substantial damage. Lost electric power. Wake turbulence caused a crash landing at nearby atl. Defective alternator relay and contactor

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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