# NTSB CHI85LA389: Douglas Maselink XTC, N5272M, Caledonia, MI, September 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 29, 1985, 08:30 local (12:30 UTC)
- Place: Caledonia, MI
- Location: 42.7947° N, 85.5171° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Caledonia, MI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7947&lon=-85.5171&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13222
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA389
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13222/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA389

## 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 - wire,transmission
  - airport facilities,obstruction marking - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsafe/hazardous condition warning - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT STRUCK POWER LINES WHILE ON APCH FOR LANDING. THE PLT STATED THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE POWER LINES; HOWEVER, WITNESSES REPORTED THEY WARNED THE PLT OF THE ELECTRICAL LINES PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5272M (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: DOUGLAS MASELINK XTC
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 01
- Engines: KFM 107 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Douglas J. Masselink
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: 9D9, HASTINGS, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 56 total, 38 in this make and model, 38 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRR, 11 nm away

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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