# NTSB DEN85LA135: Cessna 172, N6462D, Loma, MT, May 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 18, 1985, 16:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Loma, MT
- Coordinates: 48.050647, -110.449386 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.0506&lon=-110.4494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16677
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA135
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16677/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA135

## 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,transmission
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED POWER LINES WHICH CROSS OVER THE MISSOURI RIVER. THE LINES ARE APRX 150-200 FT ABOVE THE RIVER ON ONE SIDE AND APRX 45 FT ABOVE THE RIVER ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. THE PLT STATED HE WAS FLYING ALONG THE RIVER AT AN ALT OF APRX 75 FT WHEN CONTACT WITH THE WIRE OCCURRED. CONTROL OF THE ACFT WAS REGAINED AND THE FLT CONTINUED TO AN UNEVENTFUL LANDING AT GREAT FALLS, MT. THE WIRE STRIKE RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO BOTH WINGS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6462D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6462D), registered now, S/N 17272813, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17272813
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Valley Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 7, 1985
- Departed: HAVRE, MT
- Destination: GREAT FALLS, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 1,500 total, 800 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19850518018159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850518018159A), May 18, 1985: Cessna 172N, Loma, MT, Substantial damage. Aircraft struck powerlines while flying down river. Continued to destination. Damage to wings and propeller

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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