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NTSB Report
February 12, 1987 · Cessna 172N · N734MV
Fergus Falls, MN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 12, 1987
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Fergus Falls, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N734MV
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI87FA083
FOLLOWING A 1.5 HOUR PERSONAL FLIGHT AT NIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A LOW HILL NEAR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. ALTHOUGH THE PILOT HAD A TOTAL OF 6 HOURS OF NIGHT TIME, MOST OF HIS SOLO NIGHT TIME WAS DURING THIS LAST FLIGHT. HAZY VFR CONDITIONS EXISTED AT THE TIME. BIRDS WERE ACTIVE IN THE AREA AND A FEW FEATHERS WERE LOCATED AROUND THE WRECK, BUT NO BIRD BLOOD, UNUSUAL DENTING OF THE AIRCRAFT OR ACTUAL BIRD REMAINS WERE FOUND.
Full Narrative
FOLLOWING A 1.5 HOUR PERSONAL FLIGHT AT NIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A LOW HILL NEAR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. ALTHOUGH THE PILOT HAD A TOTAL OF 6 HOURS OF NIGHT TIME, MOST OF HIS SOLO NIGHT TIME WAS DURING THIS LAST FLIGHT. HAZY VFR CONDITIONS EXISTED AT THE TIME. BIRDS WERE ACTIVE IN THE AREA AND A FEW FEATHERS WERE LOCATED AROUND THE WRECK, BUT NO BIRD BLOOD, UNUSUAL DENTING OF THE AIRCRAFT OR ACTUAL BIRD REMAINS WERE FOUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:36 CST
Nearest AirportFergus Falls Muni (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN734MV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
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 28 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind240° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 30 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:47
Weather SourceWFAC