# NTSB ATL88FA043: Cessna 172N, N5548J, Blanchester, OH, November 24, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 24, 1987, 05:40 local (10:40 UTC)
- Place: Blanchester, OH
- Coordinates: 39.270854, -84.099632 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2709&lon=-84.0996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 7, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7566
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88FA043
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7566/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88FA043

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - precautionary landing - attempted, pilot in command
  - physical impairment(other organic problem), pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED BEFORE DAWN FROM A PRIVATE SOD AIRSTRIP OWNED BY THE PILOT, AND COLLIDED WITH TREES SHORTLY THEREAFTER.  THE PILOT'S WIFE SAID THAT THE AIRSTRIP WAS NOT FOGGY WHEN HER HUSBAND TOOK OFF, BUT THE WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE FOG AT THE ACCIDENT SITE PREVENTED THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FROM LOCATING THE WRECKAGE, 100 YARDS FROM THE WITNESS' HOUSE, UNTIL ABOUT 0700.  THE NEAREST STATION REPORTED IMC CONDITIONS.  THE PILOT DID NOT RECEIVE A WEATHER BRIEFING.  THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY AIRCRAFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.  THE PILOT WAS PROPERLY CERTIFICATED AND INSTRUMENT RATED.  THE PILOT'S INTENTIONS WERE NOT KNOWN.  HOWEVER, HE WAS FLYING TOWARDS THE APPROACH END OF HIS AIRSTRIP.  AN AUTOPSY, TAKEN WITH MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE PILOT, INDICATES THAT SOME PHYSICAL PROBLEM MAY HAVE PROMPTED THE PILOT TO ATTEMPT TO LAND IMMEDIATELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5548J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5548J-1989-11-18), registration cancelled 1989-11-18, S/N 17273817 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172-73817
- Airframe hours: 1218
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Raymond R. Hill
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 19, 1987
- Departed: BLANCHESTER, OH
- Destination: BAK, COLUMBUS, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,447 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LUK

## 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 19871124067759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871124067759A), Nov 24, 1987: Cessna 172N, Blanchester, OH, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Crashed shortly after departing a Private strip at night. Visibility a few hundred feet, sky obscured rain and fog.

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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