# NTSB MKC86FA028: Cessna 337B, N5445S, Fayetteville, AR, November 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 13, 1985, 17:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Fayetteville, AR
- Coordinates: 36.07019, -94.15097 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.0702&lon=-94.1510&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34051
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC86FA028
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34051/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86FA028

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft handling - not possible, pilot in command
  - physical impairment(other cardiovascular), pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid - starvation (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, passenger (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - gear extension - not performed, passenger

## Analysis

THE PLT AND HIS WIFE WERE FLYING TO ALASKA WITH THE FIRST EN ROUTE STOP TO BE CANTON, TX. THE NON-PLT WIFE STATED THAT AS THE ACFT PASSED OVER THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY ON TAKEOFF, HER HUSBAND RELEASED THE CONTROLS AND THREW HIS HEAD BACK. SHE KEPT THE ACFT AIRBORNE FOR ALMOST TWO HRS WITH HELP FROM AN AIRBORNE PLT THAT WAS TALKING TO HER. BOTH ENGS QUIT FROM FUEL STARVATION AND SHE MADE A FORCED LANDING THREE MILES FROM THE FAYETTEVILLE, AR ARPT. SHE LATER STATED THAT SHE FELT THAT HER HUSBAND HAD DIED JUST AFTER TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5445S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5445S-2013-01-31), registration cancelled 2013-01-31, S/N 337-0545, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 337B
- Registry model: [Cessna 337B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-337b) (registry code 2075706) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-360-series) (registry code 17025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 337-0545
- Airframe hours: 1997
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360-C/D 210 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph T. Wilcoxson
- Registered owner: Jack Watts
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 10, 1985, 28 hours before
- Departed: HOO, BENTONVILLE, AR
- Destination: 7F5, CANTON, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,812 total, 3,110 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,200 ft overcast
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FYV, 3 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 19851113058259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851113058259A), Nov 13, 1985: Cessna 337B, Fayetteville, AR, Destroyed. Pilot died after takeoff. Pilots wife flew aircraft until main fuel tanks ran dry, crash landed in a field.

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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