# NTSB ATL84LA243: Cessna 152, N5406B, Franklin, NC, August 5, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 5, 1984, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Franklin, NC
- Coordinates: 35.180629, -83.379997 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1806&lon=-83.3800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6514
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84LA243
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6514/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA243

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT STATED AN ENCOUNTER WITH A DOWNDRAFT AT 3800 FT MSL CAUSED ACFT COLLISION WITH 2300 FT ELEVATION OF RISING TERRAIN. FBO OVERFLEW AREA WITHIN THE HOUR AND REPORTED CALM WINDS AND NO TURBULENCE. WITNESSES HEARD ACFT MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE IN VALLEY (VICINITY OF PASSENGER'S HOUSE) PRIOR TO MISHAP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5406B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5406B-2013-03-25), registration cancelled 2013-03-25, S/N 15283864, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15283864
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gene Falkenstein
- Registered owner: Gene Falkenstein
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 7, 1984, 19 hours before
- Departed: 1A5, FRANKLIN, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 270 total, 150 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19840805041649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840805041649A), Aug 5, 1984: Cessna 152, Franklin, NC, Substantial damage. Hit trees while flying in valley. Witnesses said aircraft was circling passengers home in vicinity of accident.

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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