# NTSB CHI86FA013: Cessna 170A, N9271A, Murphysboro, IL, October 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 19, 1985, 18:40 local (23:40 UTC)
- Place: Murphysboro, IL
- Coordinates: 37.759315, -89.32949 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.7593&lon=-89.3295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13227
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13227/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FA013

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT TOOK OFF IN MARGINAL VMC IN AN ACFT PLACARDED FOR 'DAY VFR ONLY'. APRX 32 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND DESCENDED TO GROUND IMPACT. A HUNTER IN THE LOCAL AREA AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT REPORTED HEARING THE ACFT ENG SOUND CHANGE AS IF THE ACFT WERE TURNING. HE STATED HE COULD NOT SEE THE ACFT BECAUSE OF LOW CLOUDS, POOR VISIBILITY AND HEAVY RAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9271A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9271A-1989-03-15), registration cancelled 1989-03-15, S/N 19032 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170A
- Registry model: [Cessna 170A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170a) (registry code 2072304) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 19032
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Paul E. Van Houten
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 2, 1984
- Departed: MDH, CARBONDALE, IL
- Destination: STUTTGART, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,687 total, 2,197 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MDH, 12 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 19851019052639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851019052639A), Oct 19, 1985: Cessna 170A, Murphysboro, IL, Destroyed. Struck trees and ground while maneuvering in IFR conditions. Numerous instruments in aircraft reported unreliable.

## Other investigations on N9271A (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 FTW68D0325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW68D0325), Nov 3, 1967: Cessna 170 (N9271A), Kerrville, 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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