# NTSB FTW87LA143: Cessna 172, N5079A, Cameron, TX, June 14, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1987, 17:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Cameron, TX
- Coordinates: 30.849388, -96.970169 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.8494&lon=-96.9702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22380
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA143
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22380/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA143

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - disregarded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF CLIMB THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POWERLINE THEN TREES AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING FLOWN BYA STUDENT PILOT WITH NO MEDICAL CERTIFICATE OR SOLO ENDORSEMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5079A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5079A-1990-08-13), registration cancelled 1990-08-13, S/N 28079 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28079
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Earnest H. Martin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: T35, Breakaway, runway 34, 3,200 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; student; seat: left; flight hours: 10 total, 1 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19870614020239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870614020239A), Jun 14, 1987: Cessna 172, Cameron, TX, Substantial damage. Attempted to take off from a soft,wet,grassy field. Struck a powerline and trees during initial takeoff climb.

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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