# NTSB FTW83LA352: Cessna 172N, N54174, Morrilton, AR, April 28, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 27, 1983, 22:43 local (Apr 28, 1983, 03:43 UTC)
- Place: Morrilton, AR
- Coordinates: 35.149177, -92.740692 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1492&lon=-92.7407&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20991
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA352
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20991/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA352

## 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 - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - vfr procedures - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fatigue(flight and ground schedule), pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES ON THE FINAL APPROACH TO LAND AT NIGHT. THE PLT HAD CANCELED HIS IFR CLEARANCE. DURING THE APPROACH THE PLT HAD THE RWY IN SIGHT AND ASKED MEMPHIS CENTER HOW FAR HE WAS FROM THE ARPT. WHEN HE WAS INFORMED HE WAS3 MILES SOUTH HE DECIDED TO MAKE A DESCENDING 360 TURN TO LOSE ALT. AS HE STRAIGHENED THE ACFT AFTER TURNING HE LOOKED IN THE COCKPIT. WHEN HE LOOKED BACK OUT TREES WERE SEEN ILLUMINATED BY THE LANDING LIGHTS. HE TRIED TO CLIMB BUT WAS UNABLE TO ARREST THE DESCENT SO HE MINIMIZED THE SPEED FOR IMPACT IN THE TREES. THE PLT SAID HE WAS FATIGUED, SHOULD NOT HAVE CANCELED IFR AND SHOULD NOT HAVE MADE THE VERTIGO INDUCING TURN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N54174](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N54174-2013-08-15), registration cancelled 2013-08-15, S/N 17274904, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17274904
- Airframe hours: 803
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ramp One Aviation
- Registered owner: Wilbur H. Rainey Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MO49, WASHINGTON, MO
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: MPJ, Petit Jean, runway 20, 5,980 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 277 total, 277 in this make and model, 200 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 200° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

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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