# NTSB NYC94LA139: Cessna 172A, N5647A, Block Island, RI, July 26, 1994 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 25, 1994, 22:15 local (Jul 26, 1994, 02:15 UTC) - Place: Block Island, RI - Location: 41.1681° N, 71.5778° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at BLOCK ISLAND STATE (BID), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1681&lon=-71.5778&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 4 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 13, 1995 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 38801 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC94LA139 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38801/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC94LA139 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper decision to initiate VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. The dark night light conditions and the fog were contributing factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb - object - tree(s) - weather condition - fog (contributing factor) - light condition - night (contributing factor) - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - vfr flight into imc - initiated, pilot in command (cause) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command ## Analysis The airplane collided with trees shortly after a night takeoff from runway 28, which is 2501 feet long. The non-instrument rated private pilot reported a 60 to 100 foot thick fog prevailed at the airport. The pilot initiated takeoff with the flaps set at 10 degrees. He indicated the engine tachometer did not exceed 2300 rpm and the venturi operated attitude indicator did not 'come up' during the takeoff roll. He climbed at 65 knots and then raised the flaps when he realized the airplane lacked climb performance. He noticed trees in his path, which he was unable to outclimb. He pitched the airplane up and struck trees with the tail of the airplane. A witness and one of the passengers reported there was heavy fog during the takeoff. FAA examination of the airplane did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction. The airplane was estimated to be 75 pounds over gross weight. ## Factual narrative On July 25, 1994 about 2215 eastern daylight time, N5647A, a Cessna 172 airplane, a personal flight, collided with trees during the initial takeoff climb from runway 28 at Block Island State Airport, Rhode Island. The non-instrument rated private pilot and three passengers received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. Instrument meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed. The destination was Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot's statement, "Fog layer was by my estimate to be approximately 100 to 200 feet . . . I climbed out with a half-tank of fuel and four people at 60 mph indicated, and just did not have enough performance . . . The next thing I knew I saw bushes in front. I pulled back to lessen the impact and tried to hit the tail first. The airplane spun approximately 180 degrees after impact." During an interview with the FAA, the pilot reported that the fog at the airport was about 60 to 100 feet thick. He indicated that after takeoff, the vaccum gage didn't seem to work right and that because of the lack of climbing performance, he raised the flaps, which were set at 10 degrees. None of the passengers reported a problem with the airplane during the takeoff. One passenger reported the takeoff occurred in heavy fog. A witness reported heavy fog at the time of the accident. He stated the airplane took off, went into the fog, and disappeared. Shortly thereafter he heard the airplane land into trees (beyond the runway end). The FAA examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The propeller blades were curled. The aircraft estimated to be about 75 pounds over gross weight. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5647A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5647A-1997-03-24), registration cancelled 1997-03-24, S/N 28247 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172A - Registry model: [Cessna 172](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172) (registry code 2072402) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28247 - Airframe hours: 2517 - Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300B 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Edward Grant - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 9, 1993, 150 hours before - Departed: BID, BLOCK ISLAND, RI - Destination: BDL, WINDSOR LOCKS, CT - Airport: BID, Block Island State, runway 28, 2,501 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,200 total, 300 in this make and model, 1,000 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Night/dark - Visibility: 0.25 statute miles - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg 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.