# NTSB FTW84MA069: Cessna 210N, N4742P, El Paso, TX, November 22, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Major investigation · Final report
- Date: November 22, 1983, 00:46 local (07:46 UTC)
- Place: El Paso, TX
- Coordinates: 31.800983, -106.360748 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8010&lon=-106.3607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21492
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84MA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21492/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84MA069

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, climb - to cruise
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night
  - artcc service - improper, atc personnel(artcc) (cause)
  - safety advisory - not issued, atc personnel(artcc) (cause)
  - inadequate training, atc personnel(artcc) (contributing factor)
  - information unclear(phraseology), atc personnel(artcc) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

N4742P DEPARTED EL PASO, TX, ON AN IFR FLIGHT PLAN WITH A CLEARANCE TO CLIMB TO 10,000 FEET. NO CLIMB RESTRICTIONS WERE INCLUDED IN THE CLEARANCE. DEPARTURE CONTROL SERVICE WAS PROVIDED BY ALBUQUERQUE ARTCC SINCE EL PASO TOWER HAD SHUT DOWNFOR THE NIGHT. THE CONTROLLER ESTABLISHED RADAR CONTACT WITH N4742P & ASKED THE PLT IF HE COULD MAINTAIN A HEADING OF 260 DEG, & SUBSEQUENTLY, GAVE HIM A 10 DEG TURN TO THE LEFT. THE CONTROLLER PROVIDED RADAR VECTORS WHEN THE ACFT WAS BELOW THE MINIMUM VECTORING ALTITUDE. THE CONTROLLER DID NOT ISSUE A SAFETY ADVISORY WHEN HE WAS AWARE THAT THE ACFT WASIN UNSAFE PROXIMITY TO TERRAIN. THE ACFT CRASHED ABOUT 200 FT BELOW THE CREST OF A 6250 FT HIGH MOUNTAIN RIDGE. THE PLT & 3 PASSENGERS ABOARD THE ACFT WERE FATALLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF CRASH IMPACT & ENSUING FIRE. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED IMPROPER APPLICATION OF ATC PROCEDURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4742P (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 210N
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21000097
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-P 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gordon R. Coker Const. Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ELP
- Destination: EMT, EL MONTE, CA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Night/dark
- Wind: 310° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,300 ft broken
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ELP, 8 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 19831122058339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831122058339A), Nov 22, 1983: Cessna P210N, El Paso, TX, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Aircraft collided with mountain at 6050 foot level. Aircraft was climbing on an IFR clearance to a cruise level.

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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