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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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November 24, 1987 · Cessna 172N · N5548J

Blanchester, OH

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 24, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Blanchester, OH
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N5548J
Operator
Raymond R Hill
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL88FA043

THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED BEFORE DAWN FROM A PRIVATE SOD AIRSTRIP OWNED BY THE PILOT, AND COLLIDED WITH TREES SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE PILOT'S WIFE SAID THAT THE AIRSTRIP WAS NOT FOGGY WHEN HER HUSBAND TOOK OFF, BUT THE WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE FOG AT THE ACCIDENT SITE PREVENTED THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FROM LOCATING THE WRECKAGE, 100 YARDS FROM THE WITNESS' HOUSE, UNTIL ABOUT 0700. THE NEAREST STATION REPORTED IMC CONDITIONS. THE PILOT DID NOT RECEIVE A WEATHER BRIEFING. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY AIRCRAFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. THE PILOT WAS PROPERLY CERTIFICATED AND INSTRUMENT RATED. THE PILOT'S INTENTIONS WERE NOT KNOWN. HOWEVER, HE WAS FLYING TOWARDS THE APPROACH END OF HIS AIRSTRIP. AN AUTOPSY, TAKEN WITH MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE PILOT, INDICATES THAT SOME PHYSICAL PROBLEM MAY HAVE PROMPTED THE PILOT TO ATTEMPT TO LAND IMMEDIATELY.

Full Narrative

THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED BEFORE DAWN FROM A PRIVATE SOD AIRSTRIP OWNED BY THE PILOT, AND COLLIDED WITH TREES SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE PILOT'S WIFE SAID THAT THE AIRSTRIP WAS NOT FOGGY WHEN HER HUSBAND TOOK OFF, BUT THE WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE FOG AT THE ACCIDENT SITE PREVENTED THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FROM LOCATING THE WRECKAGE, 100 YARDS FROM THE WITNESS' HOUSE, UNTIL ABOUT 0700. THE NEAREST STATION REPORTED IMC CONDITIONS. THE PILOT DID NOT RECEIVE A WEATHER BRIEFING. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY AIRCRAFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. THE PILOT WAS PROPERLY CERTIFICATED AND INSTRUMENT RATED. THE PILOT'S INTENTIONS WERE NOT KNOWN. HOWEVER, HE WAS FLYING TOWARDS THE APPROACH END OF HIS AIRSTRIP. AN AUTOPSY, TAKEN WITH MEDICAL HISTORY OF THE PILOT, INDICATES THAT SOME PHYSICAL PROBLEM MAY HAVE PROMPTED THE PILOT TO ATTEMPT TO LAND IMMEDIATELY.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:40 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN5548J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRaymond R Hill
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time05:50
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data