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NTSB Report
July 18, 1985 · Cessna 172 · N3781S
Leesburg, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 18, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Leesburg, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N3781S
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MIA85LA213
THE PLT EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHILE ON A NIGHT FLT & WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVATE THE RWY LIGHTS BY KEYING HIS RADIO. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON THE UNLIGHTED RWY WITHOUT ANY LANDING LIGHTS RATHER THAN DIVERT TO ANOTHER ARPT. THE PLT STATED THAT DURING THE APCH TO LAND, HE REALIZED THAT HE WAS NOT LINED UP PROPERLY WITH THE RWY, & WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE ACFT'S ALIGNMENT WITH THE RWY, THE RIGHT WING 'LOST LIFT' & STRUCK THE GROUND. LAW INFORCEMENT PERSONNEL REPORTED THAT THE PLT HAD A SLIGHT ODOR OF ALCOHOL ON HIS PERSON; HOWEVER, THE PLT PASSED A PHYSICAL AGILITY SOBRIETY TEST. HE HAD MADE ONLY ONE NIGHT LANDING WITHIN THE PRECEDING 90 DAYS; THUS, HE DID NOT MEET THE REQUIRMENTS OF FAR 61.57 FOR NIGHT RECENCY OF EXPERIENCE.
Full Narrative
THE PLT EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHILE ON A NIGHT FLT & WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVATE THE RWY LIGHTS BY KEYING HIS RADIO. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON THE UNLIGHTED RWY WITHOUT ANY LANDING LIGHTS RATHER THAN DIVERT TO ANOTHER ARPT. THE PLT STATED THAT DURING THE APCH TO LAND, HE REALIZED THAT HE WAS NOT LINED UP PROPERLY WITH THE RWY, & WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE ACFT'S ALIGNMENT WITH THE RWY, THE RIGHT WING 'LOST LIFT' & STRUCK THE GROUND. LAW INFORCEMENT PERSONNEL REPORTED THAT THE PLT HAD A SLIGHT ODOR OF ALCOHOL ON HIS PERSON; HOWEVER, THE PLT PASSED A PHYSICAL AGILITY SOBRIETY TEST. HE HAD MADE ONLY ONE NIGHT LANDING WITHIN THE PRECEDING 90 DAYS; THUS, HE DID NOT MEET THE REQUIRMENTS OF FAR 61.57 FOR NIGHT RECENCY OF EXPERIENCE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:45 EDT
Nearest AirportLEESBURG (0nm N)
Runway13
Runway Length4984 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN3781S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC