# NTSB BFO91LA016: Cessna 172P, N55276, Axton, VA, December 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 2, 1990, 16:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Axton, VA
- Coordinates: 36.66072, -79.709785 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6607&lon=-79.7098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 26, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11647
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO91LA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11647/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA016

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE WITH AN OBSTACLE. CONTRIBUTING WAS AN UNMARKED POWERLINE AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A 30 FOOT HIGH UNMARKED POWERLINE ABOUT 20 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY OF A PRIVATE GRASS AIRSTRIP. THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST INVERTED ON THE RUNWAY.  THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE INDICATING THE PILOT HAD PREVIOUSLY LANDED AT THE AIRPORT.  THE EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N55276](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N55276-1992-07-22), registration cancelled 1992-07-22, S/N 17275149 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172P
- Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17275149
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Frank J. Still
- Registered owner: Frank J. Still
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 27, 1990
- Departed: 6VA2, MARTINSVILLE, VA
- Destination: 1
- Airport: Davis

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 375 total, 205 in this make and model, 273 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DAN, 24 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 19901202052279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901202052279A), Dec 2, 1990: Cessna 172P, Axton, VA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck 30FT high power line landing at Private strip. Stopped inverted on runway. Too low. Unfamiliar airstrip.

## Other investigations on N55276 (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW82DA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA248), Jun 25, 1982: Cessna 172P Robertson Stol (N55276), Fort Worth, TX, substantial damage

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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