# NTSB ATL85FA280: Cessna 172N, N2858E, Halls, TN, September 21, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 21, 1985, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Halls, TN
- Coordinates: 35.880855, -89.400985 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.8809&lon=-89.4010&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6641
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FA280
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6641/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FA280

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - incapacitation(loss of consciousness), pilot in command (cause)
  - proper assistance - attempted, passenger (cause)
  - remedial action - initiated, passenger (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - flare/touchdown
  - maneuver - attempted, passenger (cause)
  - proper alignment - poor, passenger (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, other person (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - overload

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT HAD JUST LEVELED OFF AT 2500 FEET AND POINTED OUT THE OLD NAVAL BASE TO HIS RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WHEN HE SLUMPED OVER THE YOKE. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR SEAT HELD THE PILOT OFF THE CONTROLS WHILE HER NON-PILOT HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT. HE MISSED THE TAXIWAY ON THE OLD NAVAL BASE AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN A COTTON FIELD. HE SPOTTED A HOUSE AT THE END OF THE FIELD AND TURNED JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. THE AIRCRAFT HIT A DITCH AT THE END OF THE FIELD AND BOUNCED UP ON THE TAXIWAY. THE PILOT DID NOT RESPOND TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE HOSPITAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2858E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2858E-2013-11-12), registration cancelled 2013-11-12, S/N 17271349, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17271349
- Airframe hours: 1204
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Metro Flying School & Club,Inc
- Registered owner: Mooney Leasing
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 4, 1985, 20 hours before
- Departed: OLV, OLIVE BRANCH, MS
- Airport: M31, Arnold Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 350 total, 4 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 65 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 19850921046629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850921046629A), Sep 21, 1985: Cessna 172N, Halls, TN, Substantial damage. Landing in cotton field by passenger after pilot died. Aircraft hit a ditch, slid on nose and stopped on a taxiway.

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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