# NTSB MIA95LA035: Cessna 172M, N1385U, Crystal River, FL, November 23, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 23, 1994, 10:10 local (15:10 UTC)
- Place: Crystal River, FL
- Location: 28.8955° N, 82.6019° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Crystal River, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8955&lon=-82.6019&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37705
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA95LA035
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37705/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA95LA035

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN VISUAL OUTLOOK DURING TAXIING.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - from landing
  - object - vehicle
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE TAXING FROM LANDING THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION TO ADJUST THE ALTIMETER AND THE RIGHT WING OF THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A PARKED TRUCK.

## Factual narrative

On November 23, 1994, about 1010 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N1385U, registered to and operated by the Crystal Aero Group, Inc., collided with a vehicle at the Crystal River Airport, Crystal River, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  The flight originated about 0930 from the Crystal River Airport.

The pilot stated that while taxiing after landing he diverted his attention to reset the altimeter. As he did this the right wing of the aircraft struck a parked truck.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1385U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1385U-2016-09-13), registration cancelled 2016-09-13, S/N 17267056, built 1976 (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: 17267056
- Airframe hours: 6968
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Crystal Aero Group, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 7, 1994, 16 hours before
- Airport: X31, Crystal River

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 158 total, 60 in this make and model, 115 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TPA, 50 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 19941123041919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941123041919A), Nov 23, 1994: Cessna 172M, Crystal River, FL, Substantial damage. During taxi failed to maintain vigilance. Right wing struck a parked truck.

## Other investigations on N1385U (2)

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 MIA02LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA02LA024), Nov 20, 2001: Cessna 172M (N1385U), Crystal River, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's failure to keep a proper visual lookout and ensure proper clearance during taxi operations, which resulted in a collision with vehicles.
- [NTSB MIA97LA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA128), Apr 5, 1997: Cessna 172M (N1385U), Tampa, FL, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's improper compensation for wind conditions and failure to properly flare the airplane for landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty/quartering wind conditions, and the…

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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