# NTSB SEA88LA020: Cessna 172M, N70334, Sequim, WA, November 19, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 18, 1987, 21:42 local (Nov 19, 1987, 05:42 UTC)
- Place: Sequim, WA
- Coordinates: 48.060737, -123.059692 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.0607&lon=-123.0597&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40759
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40759/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA020

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - radar assistance to vfr aircraft - not obtained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING DARK NIGHT VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TREES WHILE IN CRUISE FLT AT ABOUT 2,000 FEET MSL. ALTHOUGH THE PILOT HAD REQUESTED VFR TRAFFIC ADVISORIES, HE DID NOT SOLICIT THE USE OF THE LOW ALTITUDE ALERT SYSTEM. THIS SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED AS A CONTROLLER AID IN DETECTING POTENTIALLY UNSAFE AIRCRAFT PROXIMITY TO TERRAIN OR OBSTRUCTIONS AND WAS AVAILABLE AT THE TIME FOR VFR FLTS IF REQUESTED. THE PLT REFUSED TO SUBMIT ANY WRITTEN STATEMENTS CONCERNING THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N70334](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N70334-1990-01-16), registration cancelled 1990-01-16, S/N 17267201 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17267201
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Evergreen Flying Club Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: S19, FRIDAY HARBOR, WA
- Destination: RTN, RENTON, WA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 320 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: NUW, 30 nm away

## 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 19871119066369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871119066369A), Nov 19, 1987: Cessna 172M, Sequim, WA, Destroyed. Flew into trees during a night low level flight. Was in radar contact with ATC. Did not request altitude alerting.

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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