# NTSB ATL85FA140: Cessna 140, N72587, Hawesville, KY, April 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 19, 1985, 15:44 local (21:44 UTC)
- Place: Hawesville, KY
- Coordinates: 37.890308, -86.750465 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8903&lon=-86.7505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6605
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FA140
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6605/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA140

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission
  - buzzing - continued, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Altitude deviation,uncontrolled, maneuvering
  - wing - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AND SUNK INTO THE OHIO RIVER FOLLOWING A WING SEPARATION AFTER CONTACTING THE LOWEST WIRE IN A SET OF 3 POWER LINES WHICH SPANNED THE RIVER. TWO OTHER WIRES WERE LOCATED ABOVE THE SET OF 3 POWER LINES. WITNESSES ON AND NEAR THE RIVER REPORTED SEEING THE ACFT FLYING LOW ALONG THE RIVER. ONE WITNESS ON A BOAT STATED HE LOOKED DOWN AT THE ACFT AS IT FLEW BY APRX 50 FT AWAY FROM THE CRAFT. THE ACFT WAS REPORTED TO BE IN LEVEL FLT HEADING EAST ALONG THE RIVER JUST PRIOR TO CONTACTING THE POWER LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N72587](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N72587-2013-07-08), registration cancelled 2013-07-08, S/N 13925, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 140
- Registry model: [Cessna 140](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-140) (registry code 2071602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 13925
- Airframe hours: 2715
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dwight L. Land
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 13, 1985, 15 hours before
- Departed: UNKNOWN
- Destination: CARROLLTON, KY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 340 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LOU, 53 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 19850419013519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850419013519A), Apr 19, 1985: Cessna 140, Hawesville, KY, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft was seen buzzing boats during low level flight up the river. Struck powerlines and impacted the water.

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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