# NTSB CHI86FA029: Cessna 172N, N738PL, Mt Carmel, IL, November 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1985, 19:03 local (Nov 17, 1985, 01:03 UTC)
- Place: Mt Carmel, IL
- Coordinates: 38.40908, -87.770011 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4091&lon=-87.7700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13230
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FA029
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13230/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FA029

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - impairment(alcohol), pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE SURVIVOR, THE PLT & 2 PAX ALL HAD A BEER, THEN WENT TO THE ARPT. AFTER TAKING OFF AT NIGHT, THE PLT FLEW OVER MT CARMEL, THEN FLEW TOWARD HIS HOME. HE ELECTED TO MAKE A LOW PASS OVER HIS HOUSE. DURING THE PASS, THE ACFT STRUCK A TREE & SOME UTILITY WIRES, THEN CRASHED. TOXICOLOGY TESTS OF THE PLT'S BLOOD & URINE SHOWED ALCOHOL LEVELS OF 0.025% & 0.056%, RESPECTIVELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N738PL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N738PL-1986-08-25), registration cancelled 1986-08-25, S/N 17270130 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17270130
- Airframe hours: 718
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Frank J. Altadonna
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 9, 1985, 39 hours before
- Departed: I02, MT. CARMEL, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 375 total, 336 in this make and model, 347 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19851116057479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851116057479A), Nov 16, 1985: Cessna 172N, Mt Carmel, IL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft struck a tree as pilot buzzed his house. All 3 occupants had consumed a beer shortly before his flight.

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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