# NTSB FTW85FA220: Cessna 182RG, N737ZL, Odessa, TX, May 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 12, 1985, 21:05 local (May 13, 1985, 02:05 UTC)
- Place: Odessa, TX
- Coordinates: 31.800607, -102.46936 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8006&lon=-102.4694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21548
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85FA220
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21548/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85FA220

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,static (cause)
  - buzzing - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dusk (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE FLYING AT APPROX 100' AGL, THE ACFT STRUCK A 5/8' STATIC LINE ON A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED POWERLINE. THE CABLE WAS NOT YET ANCHORED, EXCEPT WITH PULLEY'S ON EACH TOWER AND HAD ABOUT TWO MILES OF SLACK. THE WIRE ENGAGED THE LEFT FRONT ENG COWL AND 1 PROP BLADE. THE CABLE WAS PULLED DOWN ALMOST TO THE GROUND AND WHEN IT BACKLASHED IT SHATTERED A TELEPHONE POLE, THE ACFT IMPACTED ON THE MEDIAN OF AN INTERSTATE. WITNESSES HAD OBSERVED THE ACFT MANEUVERING AT LOW ALTITUDE IN THE AREA FOR SEVERAL MINUTES PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT DUSK, WITH THE PILOT FLYING SOUTHWEST INTO THE REMAINING SUN LIGHT. CONDITIONS WOULD HAVE MADE OBSERVATION OF THE CABLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N737ZL (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182RG
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: R18200899
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-J3C5D 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Leon Miles
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 25, 1985
- Departed: E02
- Airport: E02, Schlemeyer

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 600 total, 25 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 170° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 23 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MAF, 20 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 19850512016479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850512016479A), May 12, 1985: Cessna R182, Odessa, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck static cables 100 feet above ground level. Witnesses say aircraft had no difficulties prior to impact.

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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