# NTSB NYC85FHA03: Cessna 172M, N6851H, Auburn Center, PA, May 4, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1985, 10:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Auburn Center, PA
- Coordinates: 40.590663, -76.090415 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5907&lon=-76.0904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35601
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85FHA03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35601/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FHA03

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static
  - clearance - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

DURING ATTEMPTED LANDING ON A NON-CERTIFICATED STRIP, PLT ATTEMPTED A GO AROUND. THE ACFT STRUCK A GROUNDING CABLE WHICH WAS STRETCHED BETWEEN TWO TELEPHONE POLES NEAR THE END OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE ACFT THEN TRAVELED APRX 120 FT BEFORE CONTACTING TREES. WHEN LANDING TO THE NORTH, THE AIRSTRIP HAS AN APRX 5 DEG UPSLOPE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6851H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6851H-1989-03-15), registration cancelled 1989-03-15, S/N 17265607 (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: 17265607
- Airframe hours: 2287
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frank E. Cattafi
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 11, 1985, 39 hours before
- Departed: CDN, CALDWELL, PA
- Airport: 12, Frank Gomberg Arpt.

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,774 total, 64 in this make and model, 128 as pilot in command, 73 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19850504016179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850504016179A), May 4, 1985: Cessna 172M, Auburn Center, PA, Substantial damage. Struck wires during go around attempt and nosed into trees.

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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