# NTSB FTW82FRJ11: Cessna 170B, N1960C, Plain Dealing, LA, May 2, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 2, 1982, 14:27 local (19:27 UTC)
- Place: Plain Dealing, LA
- Location: 32.9070° N, 93.6992° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Plain Dealing, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9070&lon=-93.6992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72246
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FRJ11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72246/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FRJ11

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - buzzing - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED OVER A RIVER AT LOW ALTITUDE WHEN IT STRUCK A POWERLINE. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RECALL ANYTHING ABOUT THE FLIGHT AFTER THE TAKEOFF. THE PASSENGER REPORTED THAT THEY HAD FLOWN TO SPRINGHILL TO OBTAIN 80 OCTANE FUEL, AND WHILE RETURNING, THE PILOT WAS SHOWING HIM SOME SIGHTS. THEY WERE FLYING DOWN THE RIVER WHEN THE PLANE STRUCK THE POWERLINES. THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST ON A SANDBAR. THE PASSENGER RELEASED HIS SEAT BELT AND CRAWLED OUT WITH AN INJURED BACK. HE SAW THE PILOT IN FRONT OF THE PLANE, AND PULLED THE PILOT AWAY FROM THE BURNING WRECKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1960C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1960C-1985-02-12), registration cancelled 1985-02-12, S/N 26105 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 26105
- Airframe hours: 3208
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James L. Arntson
- Registered owner: James L. Arntson
- Departed: SPRINGHILL, LA
- Destination: NEWPORT, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, invalid medical for flight

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 171 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SHU

## 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 19820502012949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820502012949A), May 2, 1982: Cessna 170B, Plain Dealing, LA, Substantial damage. Aircraft hit powerlines and crashed during low level flight over river.

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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