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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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NTSB Report

September 5, 1986 · Cessna 172N · N737XJ

Vick, LA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Vick, LA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N737XJ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW86LA163

THE PILOT WAS GIVEN INCORRECT INFORMATION AS TO THE LOCATION OF HIS DESTINATION AIRSTRIP. HOWEVER, HE FOUND AN AIRSTRIP AT THAT APPROXIMATE LOCATION. IT WAS A 2500 FOOT GRASS STRIP AS OPPOSED TO THE 3600 FOOT GRASS STRIP WHICH HE WAS EXPECTING. WHILE ON THE FINAL APPROACH HE REALIZED THIS WAS NOT THE CORRECT AIRSTRIP AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A GO-AROUND. HE WAS UNABLE TO RETRACT THE FLAPS SOON ENOUGH TO CLIMB OVER THE 60 FOOT POWERLINES AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. HE TURNED TO AVOID COLLISION WITH THE WIRES AND ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO STALL. THE AIRCRAFT MUSHED INTO A COTTON FIELD AND FLIPPED INVERTED UPON TOUCHDOWN.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT WAS GIVEN INCORRECT INFORMATION AS TO THE LOCATION OF HIS DESTINATION AIRSTRIP. HOWEVER, HE FOUND AN AIRSTRIP AT THAT APPROXIMATE LOCATION. IT WAS A 2500 FOOT GRASS STRIP AS OPPOSED TO THE 3600 FOOT GRASS STRIP WHICH HE WAS EXPECTING. WHILE ON THE FINAL APPROACH HE REALIZED THIS WAS NOT THE CORRECT AIRSTRIP AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A GO-AROUND. HE WAS UNABLE TO RETRACT THE FLAPS SOON ENOUGH TO CLIMB OVER THE 60 FOOT POWERLINES AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. HE TURNED TO AVOID COLLISION WITH THE WIRES AND ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO STALL. THE AIRCRAFT MUSHED INTO A COTTON FIELD AND FLIPPED INVERTED UPON TOUCHDOWN.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:20 CDT
Nearest AirportDave Gelpits Airstrip (0nm W)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN737XJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 10 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data