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NTSB Report
April 4, 1991 · Cessna 172M · N4416R
Flippin, AR
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Flippin, AR
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N4416R
Operator
Ronald G Crouthers
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW91FA060
DURING A NIGHT FLIGHT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS THE NONINSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT DESCENDED TO LAND AND IMPACTED 80 FOOT TALL TREES AND THE GROUND. VISIBILITY AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS ZERO. THE AIRPORT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A VOR/DME AND NDB APPROACH. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO FLY AN APPROACH. WITNESSES REPORTED THE AIRPLANE CIRCLED THE TOWN ONCE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S ATTEMPTED VFR FLIGHT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE.
Full Narrative
DURING A NIGHT FLIGHT IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS THE NONINSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT DESCENDED TO LAND AND IMPACTED 80 FOOT TALL TREES AND THE GROUND. VISIBILITY AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS ZERO. THE AIRPORT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A VOR/DME AND NDB APPROACH. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO FLY AN APPROACH. WITNESSES REPORTED THE AIRPLANE CIRCLED THE TOWN ONCE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time00:02 CST
Nearest AirportMarion County (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length3520 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN4416R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRonald G Crouthers
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind120° @ 3 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT