# NTSB NYC85FA213: Cessna C-305A, N5250G, Brooklyn, NY, August 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1985, 12:07 local (16:07 UTC)
- Place: Brooklyn, NY
- Coordinates: 40.579456, -73.989845 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5795&lon=-73.9898&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): 35577
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85FA213
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35577/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FA213

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - reason for occurrence undetermined, pilot in command (cause)
  - flt control syst,aileron control - worn
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,rough

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL BANNER TOW OPERATION AT LOW LEVEL ALONG THE BEACH, WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE BANK SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT AND DIVE INTO THE WATER. WITNESSES RECALL THE ENGINE NOISE TO HAVE BEEN LOUD YET SPUTTERING BEFORE THE IMPACT. INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THE CARRY THRU AILERON CABLE FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR AND OVERLOAD FORCES. WIRE FRACTURE ANALYSIS DID NOT DIFFERENTIATE PRE OR POST IMPACT FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5250G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5250G-2013-09-19), registration cancelled 2013-09-19, S/N 23229, built 1951 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA C-305A
- Registry model: [Cessna 305A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-305a) (registry code 2074002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23229
- Airframe hours: 5481
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-11 213 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: In-Flight Advertising , Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, April 19, 1985, 85 hours before
- Departed: COL, COLTS NECK, NJ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,600 total, 87 in this make and model, 79 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JFK, 10 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 19850817039089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850817039089A), Aug 17, 1985: Cessna 305A, Brooklyn, NY, Destroyed. Engine power loss. Impacted water. Aileron cables worn, overstressed. Magneto p leads with no continuity.

## Other investigations on N5250G (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 MKC80DER31](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC80DER31), Mar 7, 1980: Cessna 305A (N5250G), Bemidji, MN, 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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