# NTSB SEA85LA061: Cessna 172, N84578, Spanaway, WA, February 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 17, 1985, 14:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Spanaway, WA
- Coordinates: 47.050601, -122.359115 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.0506&lon=-122.3591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40117
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA061
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40117/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA061

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO BETTER ALIGN THE ACFT FOR FINAL APCH WHEN A TREE WAS STRUCK WITH THE RIGHT WING. THE PLT STATED SHE WAS DISTRACTED WHILE MAKING PREPARATIONS TO LAND.THE LANDING WAS CONTINUED WITHOUT INCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N84578](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N84578), registered now, S/N 17258532, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17258532
- Airframe hours: 2051
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Christopher Farwell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, December 12, 1984, 55 hours before
- Departed: LAC, FT. LEWIS, WA
- Destination: S44, SPANAWAY, WA
- Airport: S44, Spanaway, runway 34, 2,700 × 90 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 94 total, 19 in this make and model, 63 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °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 19850217029989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850217029989A), Feb 17, 1985: Cessna 172K, Spanaway, WA, Substantial damage. Pilot was distracted on final and allowed aircraft wing to strike a tree. Continued to safe landing on runway.

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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