# NTSB CHI83LA051: Mitsubishi MU-2B-20, N45EV, Muskegon, MI, December 15, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 15, 1982, 17:05 local (22:05 UTC)
- Place: Muskegon, MI
- Coordinates: 43.220279, -86.250953 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.2203&lon=-86.2510&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 15, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71805
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA051
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71805/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA051

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - altitude - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT DESCENDED BELOW HIS ALTITUDE AND STRUCK TREES APPROXIMATELY 4.7 MILES SOUTH OF HIS DESTINATION. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO FLY AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING. AFTER TOUCHDOWN THE AIRCRAFT SKIDDED DOWN THE RUNWAY FOR APPROXIMATELY 3000 FEET BEFORE DEPARTING THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N45EV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N45EV-2010-07-14), registration cancelled 2010-07-14, S/N 211, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MITSUBISHI MU-2B-20
- Registry model: [Mitsubishi MU-2B-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/mitsubishi-mu-2b-20) (registry code 5780407) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [AiResearch 331 SER 605HP](https://openairdocs.org/engine/airesearch-331-ser-605hp) (registry code 01502, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 211
- Airframe hours: 195
- Engines: AIRESEARCH TPE-331-1-151 705 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Elzinga & Volicers
- Registered owner: Elzinga & Volicers
- Departed: C, MOREHEAD, KY
- Destination: HOLLAND, MI
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: MK6, Muskegon, runway 32, 5,001 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 4,462 total, 528 in this make and model, 4,374 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 30° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 102 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19821215065059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821215065059A), Dec 15, 1982: Mtsbsi MU2B20, Holland, MI, Substantial damage. Aircraft descended into trees during VOR approach. Pilot proceeded to muskegon and made emergency landing.

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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