# NTSB FTW86LA163: Cessna 172N, N737XJ, Vick, LA, September 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1986, 17:20 local (22:20 UTC)
- Place: Vick, LA
- Location: 31.2302° N, 92.1057° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Vick, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2302&lon=-92.1057&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22087
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22087/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA163

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- Nose over, other
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS GIVEN INCORRECT INFORMATION AS TO THE LOCATION OF HIS DESTINATION AIRSTRIP. HOWEVER, HE FOUND AN AIRSTRIP AT THAT APPROXIMATE LOCATION. IT WAS A 2500 FOOT GRASS STRIP AS OPPOSED TO THE 3600 FOOT GRASS STRIP WHICH HE WAS EXPECTING. WHILE ON THE FINAL APPROACH HE REALIZED THIS WAS NOT THE CORRECT AIRSTRIP AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A GO-AROUND. HE WAS UNABLE TO RETRACT THE FLAPS SOON ENOUGH TO CLIMB OVER THE 60 FOOT POWERLINES AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. HE TURNED TO AVOID COLLISION WITH THE WIRES AND ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO STALL. THE AIRCRAFT MUSHED INTO A COTTON FIELD AND FLIPPED INVERTED UPON TOUCHDOWN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N737XJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N737XJ-2014-11-17), registration cancelled 2014-11-17, S/N 17269752, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17269752
- Airframe hours: 2330
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: H. F. Enterprises
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 15, 1986
- Departed: NEW, NEW ORLEANS, LA
- Airport: Dave Gelpits Airstrip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 501 total, 461 in this make and model, 395 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F

## 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 19860905044799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860905044799A), Sep 5, 1986: Cessna 172N, Vick, LA, Substantial damage. Attempted a go around with the flaps down. Aircraft stalled in turn as pilot tried to avoid powerlines.

## Other investigations on N737XJ (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW81FRD04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW81FRD04), Nov 4, 1980: Cessna 172 (N737XJ), New Orleans, LA, substantial damage

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.