# NTSB MIA85LA213: Cessna 172, N3781S, Leesburg, FL, July 18, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1985, 22:45 local (Jul 18, 1985, 02:45 UTC)
- Place: Leesburg, FL
- Location: 28.8229° N, 81.8084° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at LEESBURG INTL (LEE), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8229&lon=-81.8084&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31427
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA213
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31427/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA213

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - comm/nav equipment - inoperative
  - landing light(s) - inoperative
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command
  - lack of recent experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - not performed
  - proper alignment - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ground
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHILE ON A NIGHT FLT & WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVATE THE RWY LIGHTS BY KEYING HIS RADIO. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON THE UNLIGHTED RWY WITHOUT ANY LANDING LIGHTS RATHER THAN DIVERT TO ANOTHER ARPT. THE PLT STATED THAT DURING THE APCH TO LAND, HE REALIZED THAT HE WAS NOT LINED UP PROPERLY WITH THE RWY, & WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE ACFT'S ALIGNMENT WITH THE RWY, THE RIGHT WING 'LOST LIFT' & STRUCK THE GROUND. LAW INFORCEMENT PERSONNEL REPORTED THAT THE PLT HAD A SLIGHT ODOR OF ALCOHOL ON HIS PERSON; HOWEVER, THE PLT PASSED A PHYSICAL AGILITY SOBRIETY TEST. HE HAD MADE ONLY ONE NIGHT LANDING WITHIN THE PRECEDING 90 DAYS; THUS, HE DID NOT MEET THE REQUIRMENTS OF FAR 61.57 FOR NIGHT RECENCY OF EXPERIENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3781S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3781S-1989-07-17), registration cancelled 1989-07-17, S/N 17250981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172e) (registry code 2072412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17250981
- Airframe hours: 2609
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Henry Eddins
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 19, 1985, 2 hours before
- Departed: LEE, LEESBURG, FL
- Airport: LEE, Leesburg, runway 13, 4,984 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 96 total, 96 in this make and model, 71 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 180° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 72 °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 19850717034039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850717034039A), Jul 17, 1985: Cessna 172E, Leesburg, FL, Destroyed. Attempted landing after electrical power loss on unlighted runway. Wing lost lift,struck ground. Beer consumption.

## Other investigations on N3781S (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 MIA70DLA24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA70DLA24), Jun 19, 1970: Cessna 172E (N3781S), Pensacola, FL, substantial damage

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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