# NTSB ATL88LA042: Cessna 182C, N8504T, Hazel Green, AL, November 23, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 22, 1987, 18:15 local (Nov 23, 1987, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Hazel Green, AL
- Coordinates: 34.920898, -86.560234 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9209&lon=-86.5602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7679
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA042
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7679/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA042

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE HIT A TREE AND CRASHED ABOUT 300 YDS SHORT OF THE RWY WHILE ON FINAL APPCH TO LAND. THE PLT INDICATED THAT HE BECAME PREOCCUPIED WITH THE AIRSPEED INDICATOR AND ALLOWED THE AIRPLANE TO DESCEND BELOW THE PROPER GLIDE PATH. THE PLT HAD LESS THAN 1 HR OF NIGHT FLT EXPERIENCE IN THE PRECEDING 90 DAYS. HIS TOTAL NIGHT EXPERIENCE WAS 6 HRS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8504T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8504T-1990-03-14), registration cancelled 1990-03-14, S/N 52404 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182C
- Registry model: [Cessna 182C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182c) (registry code 2072708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 52404
- Airframe hours: 2452
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Phillip R. Carter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 21, 1986, 37 hours before
- Airport: M38, Hazel Green, runway 7, 2,670 × 40 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 259 total, 36 in this make and model, 182 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 140° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19871122066549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871122066549A), Nov 22, 1987: Cessna 182C, Hazel Green, AL, Substantial damage. Struck a tree turning low final for night landing. Lacked recent night time and inattenative to altitude.

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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