# NTSB ATL86FA025: Cessna 182Q, N735SS, Edenton, NC, November 14, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 14, 1985, 09:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Edenton, NC
- Coordinates: 36.050357, -76.599342 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0504&lon=-76.5993&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6906
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FA025
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6906/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA025

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - flight into known adverse weather - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - below approach/landing minimums (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - minimum descent altitude - below, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - water,glassy (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO THE ABERMARLE SOUND AND SANK IN 18 FT OF WATER. THE PILOT WAS REPORTEDLY ON AN NDB APPROACH AND DESCENDED BELOW MDA. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT CIRCLED OVER HEAD ABOUT 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. WITNESSES ALSO STATED THAT THE VISIBILITY WAS LIMITED TO 15 FEET DUE TO FOG. THE AIRCRAFT WAS RECOVERED AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF PRE- IMPACT FAILURE. THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET TO AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS MEETING TO MEET WITH COMPANY EXECUTIVES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N735SS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N735SS-2013-02-21), registration cancelled 2013-02-21, S/N 18265653, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182Q
- Registry model: [Cessna 182Q](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182q) (registry code 2072732) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18265653
- Airframe hours: 1531
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Sale Reported Status
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 21, 1984, 331 hours before
- Departed: MQI, MATEO, NC
- Destination: EDE, EDENTON, NC
- Airport: EDE, Edenton Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 5,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ECG, 25 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 19851114057469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851114057469A), Nov 14, 1985: Cessna 182Q, Edenton, NC, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Descended below IFR approach minima and struck water. Pilots medical expired, IFR currency questionable.

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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