# NTSB LAX85FA262: Cessna TU-206E, N1475M, San Manuel, AZ, May 29, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1985, 19:30 local (May 29, 1985, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: San Manuel, AZ
- Coordinates: 32.61943, -110.590019 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6194&lon=-110.5900&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): 24511
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24511/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA262

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - low pass - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THIS PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO AIR DROP ILLEGAL DRUGS TO SOMEONE ON THE GROUND. WHILE EXECUTING AN INTENTIONAL LOW PASS, AT DUSK, THEACFT INADVERTENTLY COLLIDED WITH A CACTUS TREE & CRASHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1475M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1475M-2014-09-05), registration cancelled 2014-09-05, S/N U20601475, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA TU-206E
- Registry model: [Cessna TU206E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-tu206e) (registry code 2073352) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: U20601475
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TS10-520-C 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Kansas Air Center, Ltd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: UNKNOWN
- Destination: UNKNOWN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,775 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 250° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TUS, 32 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 19850528024859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850528024859A), May 28, 1985: Cessna TU206E, San Manuel, AZ, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft struck a saguaro cactus with left wing while air dropping illegal drugs.

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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