# NTSB NYC86LA065: Cessna 305-L-19, N5171G, Hilltown, PA, January 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 18, 1986, 13:15 local (17:15 UTC)
- Place: Hilltown, PA
- Coordinates: 40.370212, -75.289466 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3702&lon=-75.2895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30291
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA065
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30291/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA065

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE CESSNA WAS TOWING A GLIDER WHEN AT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 150 FEET TO ABOUT 200 FEET, A DECREASE IN RPM WAS EXPERIENCED. THE GLIDER WAS DETACHED FROM THE AIRCRAFT, THE NOSE WAS LOWERED AND A LEFT TURN MADE WHILE STILL OVER THE GLIDERPORT. A RAPID DESCENT WAS MADE WITH WINGS LEVELED, AS CONTACT WITH THE FROZEN GROUND WAS MADE. THE RIGHT GEAR BROKE AT THE FUSELAGE AND THE WING DROPPED AS THE AIRCRAFT SKIDDED ALONG THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5171G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5171G-2005-04-21), registration cancelled 2005-04-21, S/N 23222, built 1951 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 305-L-19
- 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: 23222
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Philadelphia Glider Council
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: OPAO, Phila Gliderport, runway 27, 2,400 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 73; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 3,795 total, 3,276 in this make and model, 3,276 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 45 °F

## 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 19860118002469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860118002469A), Jan 18, 1986: Cessna STC305, Hilltown, PA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on a glider tow at 200 feet. Returned,made hard landing collapsing gear. Water in fuel on prior flights

## Other investigations on N5171G (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 IAD99FA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD99FA041), May 1, 1999: Cessna 305A (N5171G), Hilltown, PA, destroyed, 3 fatal. Probable cause: The inadequate lookout of both pilots, and the pilot of the other aircraft.

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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