# NTSB ATL87FA168: Cessna 205C, N1823Z, Bowling Green, KY, June 16, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1987, 21:00 local (Jun 16, 1987, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Bowling Green, KY
- Coordinates: 36.999794, -86.419738 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9998&lon=-86.4197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7301
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87FA168
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7301/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87FA168

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF FROM BOWLING GREEN, THE PILOT REPORTED A PROBLEM. HE DID NOT REPORT THE DETAILS OF THE PROBLEM, BUT WITNESSES HEARD THE AIRCRAFT BACKFIRING AS IT DESCENDED. THE AIRCRAFT HAD TAKEN ON FUEL AT BOWLING GREEN. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO CONCLUSIVELY DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE REPORTED AIRCRAFT PROBLEM. THE IMPACT AND POST CRASH FIRE DESTROYED THE AIRFRAME AND PREVENTED A COMPLETE INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE'S IGNITION AND FUEL SYSTEMS. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE EXAM DISCLOSED THAT BOTH THE PISTON AND VALVE TOPS WERE FREE OF COMBUSTION CARBON.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1823Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1823Z-2013-07-30), registration cancelled 2013-07-30, S/N 205-0023, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 205C
- Registry model: [Cessna 210-5(205)](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-210-5-205) (registry code 2073202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2050023
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Zeemack Aircraft Sales
- Registered owner: Zeemack Aircraft Sales
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: 3HA, LANSING, IL
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: BWG, Bowling Green, runway 27, 6,500 × 150 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,069 total, 27 in this make and model, 60 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 170° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BWG

## 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 19870615080259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870615080259A), Jun 15, 1987: Cessna 2105, Bowling Green, KY, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Pilot reported a problem. Collided with trees on the night forced landing. Possible water in fuel. Aircraft burned.

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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