# NTSB LAX86LA195: Cessna 172, N12962, Kearny, AZ, April 27, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 27, 1986, 09:43 local (16:43 UTC)
- Place: Kearny, AZ
- Location: 33.0564° N, 110.9071° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Kearny, AZ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0564&lon=-110.9071&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25138
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA195
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25138/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA195

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS ON A SIGHTSEEING FLT AND WAS FLYING WESTBOUND AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL ALONG THE GILA RIVER, WHEN THE ACFT STRUCK POWERLINES. THE ACFT THEN DESCENDED INTO THE RIVER BED. HE FUTHER STATED THAT HE OBSERVED THE POWERLINES AT THE LAST MINUTE AND WAS MANEUVERING TO FLY UNDER THEM WHEN THE ACFT'S WHEELS STRUCK THE UNSEEN LOWER LINES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12962](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12962-2013-07-09), registration cancelled 2013-07-09, S/N 17262407, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- 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: 17262407
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: B And P Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: E67, KEARNEY, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 257 total, 88 in this make and model, 157 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19860427013889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860427013889A), Apr 27, 1986: Cessna 172M, Kearny, AZ, Destroyed. Aircraft struck a powerline while operating at low level along a river. Impacted on a river bed.

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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