# NTSB ATL86FA079: Cessna 152, N93567, Wilkesboro, NC, February 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 21, 1986, 00:50 local (05:50 UTC)
- Place: Wilkesboro, NC
- Coordinates: 36.140155, -81.160949 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1402&lon=-81.1609&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): 6926
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FA079
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6926/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA079

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use (cause)
  - improper use of procedure, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED FLYING ERRATICALLY OVER THE TOWN. IMC EXISTED IN THE AREA AT THE TIME. THE STUDENT PLT DID NOT HAVE ANY INSTRUMENT FLIGHT TIME LOGGED AND HIS PAX WAS NOT A PLT. THE ACFT WAS IN A DESCENDING TURN WHEN IT FLEW INTO THE TREES ON THE SIDE OF A HILL. THE STUDENT PLT WORKED FOR THE OWNER OF THE ACFT BUT DID NOT HAVE A FLT SCHEDULED FOR THAT DATE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N93567](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N93567-1989-03-15), registration cancelled 1989-03-15, S/N 15285517 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 152 85517
- Airframe hours: 728
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Wilkes Aviation Center,Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 1986, 51 hours before
- Departed: IKB, WILKESBORO, NC
- Airport: IKB, Wilkesboro

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 22 total, 22 in this make and model, 6 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 50° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GSO, 60 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 19860221004749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860221004749A), Feb 21, 1986: Cessna 152, Wilkesboro, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Student night, IFR flight with passenger. Struck trees, then ground. There was a strong odor of alcohol on bodies.

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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