# NTSB CHI90LA256: Boeing B75N1, N62438, Marseilles, IL, September 5, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1990, 17:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Marseilles, IL
- Coordinates: 41.319282, -88.680175 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3193&lon=-88.6802&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14769
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90LA256
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14769/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA256

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE VISUAL OUTLOOK TO AVOID COLLISION WITH A WIRE WHILE CONDUCTING INTENTIONAL LOW LEVEL FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE CONDUCTING INTENTIONAL LOW LEVEL FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A WIRE STRIKE. WITH THE WIRE ATTACHED TO THE AIRCRAFT, IT DESCENDED INTO A RIVER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THE PILOT SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES AND HIS PASSENGER REPORTED MINOR INJURIES. THE PILOT DOES NOT RECALL DETAILS OF THE FLIGHT. THE PASSENGER REPORTED THAT HE WAS READING A CHART AT THE TIME OF COLLISION AND DID NOT SEE THE WIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N62438](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N62438-2019-09-06), registration cancelled 2019-09-06, S/N 75-6757, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING B75N1
- Registry model: [Boeing B75N1](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-b75n1) (registry code 1380144) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-6757
- Engines: CONTINENTAL W-670A 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William D. Rodgers
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: C09, MORRIS, IL
- Destination: GB6, GALESBURG, IL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 938 total, 500 in this make and model, 855 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ARR, 32 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 19900905038219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900905038219A), Sep 5, 1990: Boeing B75N1, Marseilles, IL, Substantial damage. While flying low over a river struck powerline and crashed. Apparently did not see wires due to haze.

## Other investigations on N62438 (2)

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 ERA18LA086](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA18LA086), Feb 23, 2018: Stearman B75 (N62438), Zephryhills, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power and impact with a pole during a forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI83LA421](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA421), Sep 7, 1983: Boeing B75N1 (N62438), Galesburg, IL, 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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