# NTSB MKC83FA024: Cessna 172, N3599E, Wamego, KS, November 20, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 20, 1982, 09:01 local (15:01 UTC)
- Place: Wamego, KS
- Coordinates: 39.200489, -96.299102 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2005&lon=-96.2991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 20, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72953
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC83FA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72953/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC83FA024

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A WITNESS OBSERVED THE ACFT FLYING LOW ALONG THE KANSAS RIVER FOR ABOUT 2 MI JUST BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. HE STATED THAT THE ACFT WAS FLYING BELOW THE TOPS OF TREES BORDERING THE RIVER. THE TWO LOWER STRANDS OF A POWER LINE, WHICH CROSSES THE RIVER, WERE FOUND BROKEN. THE WIRES WERE ESTIMATED TO BE 40 TO 50 FT ABOVE THE WATER.  THE LINES DID NOT HAVE HIGH VISIBILITY MARKERS ATTACHED NOR WERE THEY DISPLAYED ON THE CURRENT SECTIONAL AERONAUTICAL CHART.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3599E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3599E-2013-09-13), registration cancelled 2013-09-13, S/N 17271602, 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: 1727162
- Airframe hours: 2645
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Capitol Air Service Inc.
- Registered owner: Capitol Air Service Inc.
- Departed: C, MANHATTAN, KS
- Destination: C, TOPEKA, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19821120059319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821120059319A), Nov 20, 1982: Cessna 172, Wamego, KS, Destroyed. Struck powerlines while flying 40 feet above river. Crashed into river. Injured pilot succumbed from drowning.

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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