# NTSB MIA83LA161: Cessna 172P, N64079, Pensacola, FL, June 18, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1983, 09:39 local (14:39 UTC)
- Place: Pensacola, FL
- Coordinates: 30.390644, -87.370185 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3906&lon=-87.3702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30898
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83LA161
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30898/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA161

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE DESCENDED TO APRX 50 FT AGL TO DEMONSTRATE FLT AT LOW ALTITUDE TO HIS PASSENGERS. WHILE FLYING OVER A PASTURE AT THIS ALTITUDE, THE ACFT STRUCK A PINE TREE, DAMAGING THE RIGHT WING. THE PLT EXPERIENCED NO CONTROL PROBLEMS & RETURNED TO THE ARPT FOR A NORMAL LANDING. REPORTEDLY, HE DID NOT SEE THE TREE IN TIME TO AVOID IT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N64079](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N64079), registered now, S/N 17275516, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172P
- Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1725516
- Airframe hours: 532
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ferguson Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 6, 1983, 41 hours before
- Departed: 82J, PENSACOLA, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 77 total, 5 in this make and model, 48 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PNS, 15 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 19830618026369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830618026369A), Jun 18, 1983: Cessna 172P, Pensacola, FL, Substantial damage. Struck a pine tree while flying at 30 feet to show passengers speed sensation. Flew back to base.

## Other investigations on N64079 (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 ATL02LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL02LA073), Apr 4, 2002: Cessna 172P (N64079), Pensacola, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate compensation for a crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to land with a…

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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