# NTSB FTW85FA006: Cessna 152, N4877H, Monroe, LA, October 6, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 6, 1984, 05:00 local (10:00 UTC)
- Place: Monroe, LA
- Location: 32.5190° N, 92.0772° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Monroe, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5190&lon=-92.0772&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21494
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FA006
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21494/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA006

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather forecast - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight into known adverse weather - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - terrain condition - ground
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PRIOR TO DEP THE PLT CONTACTED THE MONROE FSS TWICE REQUESTING A WX BRIEFING. BOTH TIMES VFR FLT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO IFR CONDITIONS WITH LOW CEILINGS EN ROUTE AND FORECAST FOG AT THE DEST. DURING THE SECOND CALL THE PLT STATED THAT IT WAS CLEAR AT THE DEPARTURE ARPT AND HE BELIEVED HE COULD FLY TO HIS DEST BEFORE THE FORECAST FOG DEVELOPED. DESPITE THE BRIEFERS REPEATED WARNING THE PLT DEPARTED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. GROUND SCARS INDICATED IMPACT OCCURRED SLIGHTLY NOSE LOW IN A SHALLOW LEFT TURN. LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMMENT OFFICERS ESTIMATED VISIBILITY OF NO MORE THAN 1/2 MILE IN FOG AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4877H (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15283996
- Airframe hours: 766
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bobby Earl Goodman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: WINNSBORO, LA
- Destination: SHV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 279 total, 242 in this make and model, 132 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 160° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 400 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MLU, 15 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 19841006054309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841006054309A), Oct 6, 1984: Cessna 152, Monroe, LA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Forecasted IFR weather. Not current for night. Flew into area of low ceiling, visibility. Struck canal embankment.

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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