# NTSB CHI87LA123: Cessna A152, N761ED, Gobles, MI, May 6, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 6, 1987, 19:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Gobles, MI
- Coordinates: 42.359191, -85.869964 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3592&lon=-85.8700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13762
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA123
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13762/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA123

## 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 (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING THE THIRD LEG OF A CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE SUN WAS DIRECTLY IN HIS EYES WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO RWY 27. HE STATED HE FIRST SAW THE SET OF POWER LINES WHEN THEY WERE ABOUT 25 FEET AHEAD OF THE AIRCRAFT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DESCEND BELOW THE WIRES, THE NOSE OF THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE BOTTOM SET OF WIRES. THE PLANE PITCHED DOWN AND IMPACTED ABOUT 75 FEET FROM THE WIRES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N761ED](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N761ED-2015-05-05), registration cancelled 2015-05-05, S/N A1520942, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A152
- Registry model: [Cessna A152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a152) (registry code 2071836) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: A1520942
- Airframe hours: 2200
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Grand Rapids School Of Bible
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Departed: 24C, LOWELL, MI
- Airport: OOC, Wesler Field, runway 27, 1,600 × 125 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 81 total, 18 in this make and model, 43 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AZO, 17 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 19870506012369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870506012369A), May 6, 1987: Cessna A152, Gobles, MI, Destroyed. The aircraft struck wires on final approach. The pilot reported sun glare prevented him from seeing the wires.

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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