# NTSB MKC89FA117: Cessna 172M, N9646H, Oakland, AR, May 28, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1989, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Oakland, AR
- Coordinates: 36.439949, -92.569534 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.4399&lon=-92.5695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34686
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89FA117
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34686/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA117

## Probable cause

PILOT ELECTING TO BUZZ PERSONS ON THE LAKE AT LOW ALTITUDE AND COLLIDING WITH POWER LINES.

## 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
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED AT VERY LOW ALTITUDE OVER A LAKE. WITNESSES STATED THAT THE PLT ROCKED THE WINGS SEVERAL TIMES AS IF 'WAVING' TO SOMEONE ON THE LAKE. THE AIRCRAFT HIT WIRES APPROXIMATELY 45 FEET ABOVE THE SURFACE OF THE LAKE. AIRCRAFT CONTROL WAS LOST AND THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE LAKE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9646H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9646H-1991-04-10), registration cancelled 1991-04-10, S/N 17266293 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17266293
- Airframe hours: 4630
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: D & H Aero Service
- Registered owner: D & H Aero Services Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, February 13, 1989, 20 hours before
- Departed: OAKLAND, AR
- Destination: GASTON, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 550 total, 400 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HRO, 38 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 19890528013239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890528013239A), May 28, 1989: Cessna 172M, Oakland, AR, Substantial damage. Struck powerlines while flying low over a lake and crashed into the water. Reported rocking wings prior to impact.

## Other investigations on N9646H (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 FTW84LA373](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA373), Aug 30, 1984: Cessna 172M (N9646H), Bethany, OK, 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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.