# NTSB FTW91FA060: Cessna 172M, N4416R, Flippin, AR, April 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 4, 1991, 00:02 local (06:02 UTC)
- Place: Flippin, AR
- Coordinates: 36.270324, -92.590789 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2703&lon=-92.5908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23254
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91FA060
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23254/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91FA060

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S ATTEMPTED VFR FLIGHT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, descent
  - object - tree(s)
  - vfr flight into imc - performed, pilot in command
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - obscuration (contributing factor)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A NIGHT FLIGHT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS THE NONINSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT DESCENDED TO LAND AND IMPACTED 80 FOOT TALL TREES AND THE GROUND. VISIBILITY AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS ZERO. THE AIRPORT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A VOR/DME AND NDB APPROACH. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO FLY AN APPROACH. WITNESSES REPORTED THE AIRPLANE CIRCLED THE TOWN ONCE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4416R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4416R-2003-04-24), registration cancelled 2003-04-24, S/N 17263164, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17263164
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald G. Crouthers
- Registered owner: Ronald G. Crouthers
- Departed: MQ6, RUSSELVILLE, AR
- Airport: FLP, Marion County, runway 22, 3,520 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 524 total, 236 in this make and model, 437 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 120° at 3 knots
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19910404008929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910404008929A), Apr 4, 1991: Cessna 172M, Flippin, AR, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Trying to land on airport, at night in dense fog,VFR pilot flew into trees. Visibility was zero. No weather check.

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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