# NTSB ATL86FA003: Cessna C-172M, N9854Q, Luxora, AR, October 9, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 8, 1985, 19:00 local (Oct 9, 1985, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Luxora, AR
- Coordinates: 35.74916, -89.929908 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7492&lon=-89.9299&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): 6900
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6900/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA003

## 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 (contributing factor)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

AFTER A DAY OF WORK,THE PLT AND TWO FRIENDS MADE A LCL FLT AROUND HE AREA. NEAR THE END OF THE FLT,A FIRE WAS SPOTTED ON THE WEST BANK OF A MISS. RIVER CHANNEL. THE PLT DECIDED TO GO DOWN AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE FIRE. AFTER PASSING OVER THE FIRE, FLT DOWN THE CHANNEL WAS CONTINUED. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN UNMARKED POWER LINE ACROSS THE CHANNEL AND CRASHED INTO THE WOODS. THREE CONDUCTORS WERE SEPARATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9854Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA C-172M
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17265798
- Airframe hours: 2129
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Blytheville Aero,Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Departed: HKA, BLYTHEVILLE, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 108 total, 3 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Observed at: BYH, 12 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 19851008049679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851008049679A), Oct 8, 1985: Cessna 172M, Luxora, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck unmarked powerline over river channel and impacted ground. Fire erupted on impact.

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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