# NTSB NYC85LA111: Cessna R172K, N736FG, Glen Campbell, PA, May 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 10, 1985, 12:25 local (16:25 UTC)
- Place: Glen Campbell, PA
- Coordinates: 40.810997, -78.829612 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8110&lon=-78.8296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35862
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35862/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA111

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - landing gear,main gear - overload
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing
  - directional control - not possible
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
- On ground/water collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING FLT, THE PLT FLEW OVER SVRL COAL STRIP MINES AT LOW ALT & AT LOW AIRSPEED. HE HAD THE ACFT TRIMMED FOR 60 KTS & HAD ONE NOTCH OF FLAPS EXTENDED. HE REPORTED THAT AS HE WAS FLYING IN STRAIGHT & LEVEL FLT, THE ACFT SEEMED TO BE DRAWN DOWN INTO A VALLEY. AS HE ADDED POWER, HE HEARD A NOISE AS THE LEFT MAIN GEAR CAME IN CONTACT WITH A DIRT PILE. THE PLT RETURNED TO THE ARPT. DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT VEERED INTO A SMALL PATCH OF TREES & CAME TO REST. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE WIND WAS FROM 240 DEG AT 25 GUSTING 30 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N736FG](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N736FG), registered now, S/N R1722488, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA R172K
- Registry model: [Cessna R172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-r172k) (registry code 2072431) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-360-series) (registry code 17025, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: R172488
- Airframe hours: 1228
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-360-K 195 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: T. L. Hurd
- Registered owner: Hawk Enterprises
- Last inspection: Annual, October 16, 1984
- Departed: CLEARFIELD, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 562 total, 506 in this make and model, 551 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 25 knots, gusting 25
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19850510016609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850510016609A), May 10, 1985: Cessna R172K, Glen Campbell, PA, Substantial damage. While flying at low altitude left main struck a dirt pile. Damage to gear. Loss of directional control on landing.

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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