# NTSB FTW86FA023: Cessna 152, N93527, Arcadia, LA, November 2, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 2, 1985, 12:47 local (18:47 UTC)
- Place: Arcadia, LA
- Coordinates: 32.550529, -92.919532 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.5505&lon=-92.9195&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): 21877
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21877/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FA023

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - flight/nav instruments,directional gyro - failure,total (cause)
  - flight into known adverse weather - continued, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - not performed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - artcc service - disregarded, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - normal
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - atc clearance - disregarded, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural detection, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE INSTRUMENT FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND STUDENT EXPERIENCED A DIRECTIONAL GYRO FAILURE. THEY COVERED THE INSTRUMENT AND REQUESTED A RETURN TO THEIR DEPARTURE POINT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED TO FLY THE PUBLISHED APPROACH. THEY REQUESTED A DESCENT TO AN ALTITUDE BELOW THE BASE OF THE CONTROLLER'S RADAR, AND DISAPPEARED SHORTLY AFTER. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED TALL TREES IN RAINSHOWER. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT CLOUD BASE WAS AT TREE TOP LEVEL. INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED FOR PARTIAL PANEL FLIGHT WERE FUNCTIONAL. NO OTHER DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N93527](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N93527-1995-09-07), registration cancelled 1995-09-07, S/N 15285508 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 152-85508
- Airframe hours: 1564
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Louisiana Tech University
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 13, 1985, 35 hours before
- Departed: RSN, RUSTON, LA
- Destination: IAW, HOUSTON, TX
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; toxicology performed; flight hours: 550 total, 313 in this make and model, 416 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,300 ft overcast
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MLU, 36 nm away

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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