# NTSB NYC87LA180: Cessna 172, N3913F, Mt.Union Boro, PA, June 18, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1987, 09:25 local (13:25 UTC)
- Place: Mt.Union Boro, PA
- Coordinates: 40.379051, -77.880386 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3791&lon=-77.8804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30677
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA180
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30677/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA180

## 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,static (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TRANSMISSION WIRES WHILE FLYING LOW DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT. AN UNEVENTFUL PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE ON A HIGHWAY WITH REDUCED POWER AND FULL FLAPS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3913F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3913F), registered now, S/N 36813, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36813
- Airframe hours: 1197
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300A 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tailwinds,Inc.
- Registered owner: Tialwinds, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 12, 1987
- Departed: LNS, LANCASTER, PA
- Destination: MUU, MT UNION, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 202 total, 32 in this make and model, 162 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19870618082389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870618082389A), Jun 18, 1987: Cessna 172, Mt Union, PA, Substantial damage. Struck wires during unsafe low flight but remained airborn and returned to base. Damaged cowl and left wing.

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.