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NTSB Report
September 23, 1986 · Cessna 172K · N78715
East Tawas, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 23, 1986
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
East Tawas, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 172K
Tail Number
N78715
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI86FA230
AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES WHILE IN LOW LEVEL FLIGHT FOLLOWING A PREDAWN DEPARTURE. AN AIRPORT 10 MILES TO THE NORTH WAS REPORTING VERY LOW CEILINGS WITH VISIBILITIES LOWER THAN 1/2 MILE IN FOG AND DRIZZLE. THE PROXIMITY TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AND THE AIRCRAFT'S HEADING ON IMPACT SUGGEST THAT THE PILOT MAY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO MAINTAIN VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE GROUND WHILE RETURNING TO LAND AT THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. THE PLT LOGS OF THE PLTS WERE NOT RECOVERED AND NO FLT TIME INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE.
Full Narrative
AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES WHILE IN LOW LEVEL FLIGHT FOLLOWING A PREDAWN DEPARTURE. AN AIRPORT 10 MILES TO THE NORTH WAS REPORTING VERY LOW CEILINGS WITH VISIBILITIES LOWER THAN 1/2 MILE IN FOG AND DRIZZLE. THE PROXIMITY TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AND THE AIRCRAFT'S HEADING ON IMPACT SUGGEST THAT THE PILOT MAY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO MAINTAIN VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE GROUND WHILE RETURNING TO LAND AT THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. THE PLT LOGS OF THE PLTS WERE NOT RECOVERED AND NO FLT TIME INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172K
Tail NumberN78715
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
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 54 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
Wind50° @ 1 kt
Visibility5 sm
Ceiling200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time10:55
Weather SourceWFAC