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NTSB Report
December 17, 1991 · Cessna 172N · N73920
Cumberland, WI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 17, 1991
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Cumberland, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N73920
Operator
American Air Center
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI92FA059
THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AFTER LOSING CONTROL DURING IMC FLIGHT (SNOW). FAA RECORDS SHOW THE PILOT HAD REQUESTED AN IFR CLEARANCE TO HIS DESTINATION WHILE HE WAS RECEIVING VFR FLIGHT FOLLOWING SERVICES. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE WRECKAGE SHOWED THE PITOT TUBE PACKED WITH ICE CRYSTALS.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL BY THE PILOT IN COMMND. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT ARE THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER, A BLOCKED PITOT STATIC SYSTEM, LACK OF TOTAL EXPEREINCE IN TYPE OF OPERATION, AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPEREINCE IN TYPE OF AIRCRAFT.
Full Narrative
THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AFTER LOSING CONTROL DURING IMC FLIGHT (SNOW). FAA RECORDS SHOW THE PILOT HAD REQUESTED AN IFR CLEARANCE TO HIS DESTINATION WHILE HE WAS RECEIVING VFR FLIGHT FOLLOWING SERVICES. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE WRECKAGE SHOWED THE PITOT TUBE PACKED WITH ICE CRYSTALS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN73920
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAmerican Air Center
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 20 kt, gusting 24 kt
Ceiling200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:47
Weather SourceWFAC