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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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March 13, 1986 · Cessna 172H · N3706R

Williams, MN

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 13, 1986
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Location
Williams, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 172H
Tail Number
N3706R
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86FER01

THE PLT MADE A LOW PASS OVER A FROZEN, SNOW COVERED LAKE, THEN INTENDED TO MAKE A CLIMBING LEFT TURN. HE RPRTD THE WX & LIGHT CONDS AS 'SLIGHT HAZE, POOR HORIZON VISIBILITY, VERY WHITE OUT.' AS THE PLT CONTD WITH WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS A CLIMBING TURN, THE ACFT ENTERED A DSCNT & IMPACTED THE FROZEN LAKE. IN REFERENCE TO THIS ACCIDENT, THE PLT STATED THAT DURING HAZY CONDITIONS, SUNGLASSES THAT ARE LIGHTLY SHADED ON THE BOTTOM & DARK AT THE TOP CAN 'HELP CONFUSE THE HORIZON.'

Full Narrative

THE PLT MADE A LOW PASS OVER A FROZEN, SNOW COVERED LAKE, THEN INTENDED TO MAKE A CLIMBING LEFT TURN. HE RPRTD THE WX & LIGHT CONDS AS 'SLIGHT HAZE, POOR HORIZON VISIBILITY, VERY WHITE OUT.' AS THE PLT CONTD WITH WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS A CLIMBING TURN, THE ACFT ENTERED A DSCNT & IMPACTED THE FROZEN LAKE. IN REFERENCE TO THIS ACCIDENT, THE PLT STATED THAT DURING HAZY CONDITIONS, SUNGLASSES THAT ARE LIGHTLY SHADED ON THE BOTTOM & DARK AT THE TOP CAN 'HELP CONFUSE THE HORIZON.'

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172H
Tail NumberN3706R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 25 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 12 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:50
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data