# NTSB MKC82DA152: Cessna 172, N3419E, Thedford, NE, August 22, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: August 21, 1982, 23:10 local (Aug 22, 1982, 04:10 UTC)
- Place: Thedford, NE
- Coordinates: 41.969238, -100.569061 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9692&lon=-100.5691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 21, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72809
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC82DA152
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72809/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC82DA152

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AFTER HE TOOK OFF ON A DARK NIGHT, HE REMEMBERED THERE WERE OBSTACLES IN THAT AREA AND HE REVERSED HIS DIRECTION OF TURN. HE STATED THAT AFTER REVERSING THE TURN, HE BECAME DISORIENTED AND THE AIRCRAFT DOVE INTO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3419E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3419E-2013-08-13), registration cancelled 2013-08-13, S/N 17271538, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17271538
- Airframe hours: 1617
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Shamrock Aircraft
- Registered owner: Hastings Skyways, Inc.
- Departed: 5V3, THEDFORD, NE
- Destination: ONL, O'NEILL, NE
- Airport: 5V3, Thomas County, runway 26, 2,800 × 50 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 201 total, 124 in this make and model, 149 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 140° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 158 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LBF, 60 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 19820821048719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820821048719A), Aug 21, 1982: Cessna 172, Thedford, NE, Substantial damage. Became disoriented after takeoff on a dark night with no ground lights. Lost control and dived into a hill.

## Other investigations on N3419E (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 DEN81FTK04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN81FTK04), Nov 22, 1980: Cessna 172N (N3419E), Midland, SD, 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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