# NTSB MKC85FA039: Cessna 180K, N64011, Ft.Smith, AR, December 14, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 14, 1984, 16:07 local (22:07 UTC)
- Place: Ft.Smith, AR
- Coordinates: 35.369045, -94.420516 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3690&lon=-94.4205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33816
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85FA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33816/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FA039

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight into known adverse weather - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - judgment - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES ALONG THE ARKANSAS RIVER OBSERVED THE ACFT FLYING LOW OVER THE RIVER, IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION. AS THE ACFT APPROACHED A SET OF HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINES THAT CROSSED THE RIVER APRX 85 FT ABOVE THE WATER, IT BANKED LEFT AND THE RT WING STRUCK THE LOWER WIRES. THE ACFT IMPACTED THE WATER TAIL FIRST AND SUBMERGED. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE ENG AND PROPELLER SOUNDS WERE NORMAL PRIOR TO IMPACT. CONTINUITY OF THE CONTROL CABLES WERE ESTABLISHED. WX AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT WAS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 300 OVERCAST WITH ABOUT 1 MI VISIBILITY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N64011](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N64011-2017-05-23), registration cancelled 2017-05-23, S/N 18052862, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180K
- Registry model: [Cessna 180K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180k) (registry code 2072624) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18052862
- Airframe hours: 916
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: H. Bixler Whiting
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 26, 1984, 14 hours before
- Departed: ROG, ROGERS, AR
- Destination: LIT, LITTLE ROCK, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,000 total, 50 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft overcast
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 46 °F

## 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 19841214067889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841214067889A), Dec 14, 1984: Cessna 180K, Ft Smith, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Flew low attempting to follow river into fort Smith. Hit powerlines, sank in river. Pilot had consumed alcohol.

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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