# NTSB ATL86FA001: Cessna 172, N2765U, Chapel Hill, NC, October 1, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 1, 1985, 15:20 local (19:20 UTC)
- Place: Chapel Hill, NC
- Coordinates: 35.920406, -79.039131 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9204&lon=-79.0391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6898
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FA001
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6898/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA001

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - pull-up - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

N2765U CRASHED SHORTLY AFTER MAKING A LOW PASS OVER A PRIVATE AIR STRIP NEAR CHAPEL HILL. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SEEN IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE PRIOR TO IMPACTING A TREE ABOUT 40 ABOVE THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT ALSO COLLIDED WITH A POWER TRANSMISSION LINE. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE AND BURNED. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY SYSTEM MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2765U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2765U-2012-09-21), registration cancelled 2012-09-21, S/N 17250365, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172d) (registry code 2072410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17250365
- Airframe hours: 3703
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300 SER 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gilbert Webb
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 17, 1985, 94 hours before
- Airport: 09W, Hogan

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDU, 24 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 19851001048369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851001048369A), Oct 1, 1985: Cessna 172D, Chapel Hill, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Retracted flaps and maintained nose high attitude during climbout. Struck trees, powerlines, impacted ground.

## Other investigations on N2765U (1)

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.

- [NTSB IAD76FLQ13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD76FLQ13), Feb 10, 1976: Cessna 172D (N2765U), Lexington, KY, substantial damage

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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