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NTSB Report
December 27, 1991 · Cessna 172M · N6623H
Sanford, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 27, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Sanford, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N6623H
Operator
La Cross Gordon D
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI92FA062
THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED IN LOW LEVEL CRUISE FLIGHT OVER A LAKE. IN A NARROW PORTION OF THE LAKE THE AIRCRAFT VERTICAL STABILIZER STRUCK WIRES WHICH WERE APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE AT THE LOWEST POINT. THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED CONTROLLED FLIGHT AND IMPACTED THE TERRAIN (WATER).
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A VISUAL LOOKOUT TO AVOID A WIRE STRIKE. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S INTENTIONAL LOW LEVEL FLIGHT, HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE, AND THE TRANSMISSION WIRES.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED IN LOW LEVEL CRUISE FLIGHT OVER A LAKE. IN A NARROW PORTION OF THE LAKE THE AIRCRAFT VERTICAL STABILIZER STRUCK WIRES WHICH WERE APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE AT THE LOWEST POINT. THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED CONTROLLED FLIGHT AND IMPACTED THE TERRAIN (WATER).
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:52 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN6623H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLa Cross Gordon D
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC