# NTSB CHI86FA026: Cessna 402C, N6788Y, Detroit, MI, November 12, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 12, 1985, 02:08 local (07:08 UTC)
- Place: Detroit, MI
- Coordinates: 42.220149, -83.350776 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2201&lon=-83.3508&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13229
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FA026
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13229/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FA026

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - information unavailable, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inattentive, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - reduced, pilot in command (cause)
  - minimum descent altitude - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - flt control syst,aileron control - loss,partial (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flight control,aileron surface - loss,partial (contributing factor)
  - wing,wingtip - loss,total (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A 100-FT CEILING WITH 3000 FT RVR EXISTED AT DETROIT. THE PLT ATTEMPTED AN ILS APCH WITH A 200 FT DH WHEN HE STRUCK TREES ONE MILE FROM THE RWY. HE FLEW THE ACFT TO THE AIRFIELD BUT CRASHED NEAR THE THRESHOLD. THE ONLY APCH PLATES FOUND ONBOARD WERE FOR DETROIT AND MIDWAY IN CHICAGO. MIDWAY WAS HIS FINAL DESTINATION AFTER DETROIT. HE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH FUEL TO GET TO MIDWAY. THE REST OF HIS APCH PLATES WERE LATER FOUND IN HIS PERSONAL VEHICLE BACK IN PENNSYLVANIA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6788Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6788Y-1989-03-17), registration cancelled 1989-03-17, S/N 402C0433 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 402C
- Registry model: [Cessna 402C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-402c) (registry code 207590R) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 402C0433
- Airframe hours: 2607
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520VB 325 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: Gateway Pace Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Gateway Toyota, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, October 30, 1985, 26 hours before
- Departed: TEB, TETERBORO, NJ
- Destination: DTW, DETROIT, MI
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: DTW, Wayne County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,900 total, 350 in this make and model, 4,800 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 50° at 6 knots
- Lowest ceiling: 100 ft
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DTW, 2 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 19851112056789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851112056789A), Nov 12, 1985: Cessna 402C, Detroit, MI, Destroyed. Struck trees after descending below decision height on approach in low IFR conditions. Impacted on airport.

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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