# NTSB FTW83FA441: Cessna 172E, N3058U, Leesville, LA, September 27, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1983, 23:00 local (Sep 27, 1983, 04:00 UTC)
- Place: Leesville, LA
- Location: 31.1411° N, 93.2842° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Leesville, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.1411&lon=-93.2842&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20765
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83FA441
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20765/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA441

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - bent (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - impairment(alcohol), pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

EARLIER IN THE DAY THE FOUR OCCUPANTS OF THE ACFT HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPT AS BEING DRUNK AT A LOUNGE NEAR ZWOLLE,LA. AFTER LANDING AT THE LEESVILLE ARPT THE ACFT RAN OFF THE ASPHALT BENDING BOTH ENDS OF THE PROP BLADES. THE OCCUPANTS ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE BLADES WITH A PIPE WRENCH, & THEN PROCEEDED TO A NIGHT CLUB. AT 2230 TO 2300 THEY RETURNED TO THE ARPT. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF THE ACFT IMPACTED TREES IN A NEAR VERTICAL NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE. THE PLT'S BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL WAS 0.151%.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3058U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3058U-2014-09-29), registration cancelled 2014-09-29, S/N 17250658, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172E
- Registry model: [Cessna 172E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172e) (registry code 2072412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17250658
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-C 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gulf Coast Aero Club Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 4, 1983
- Destination: DERIDDER, LA
- Airport: LA24, Leesville, runway 17, 3,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 130° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 160 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LCH, 62 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 19830926051749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830926051749A), Sep 26, 1983: Cessna 172E, Leesville, LA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Stalled and crashed after brushing treetops on night takeoff. Pilot and passengers had consumed alcohol same night

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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