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NTSB Report
September 21, 1985 · Cessna 172N · N2858E
Halls, TN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 21, 1985
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 minor injuries)
Location
Halls, TN
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N2858E
Operator
Metro Flying School & Club
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL85FA280
THE PRIVATE PILOT HAD JUST LEVELED OFF AT 2500 FEET AND POINTED OUT THE OLD NAVAL BASE TO HIS RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WHEN HE SLUMPED OVER THE YOKE. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR SEAT HELD THE PILOT OFF THE CONTROLS WHILE HER NON-PILOT HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT. HE MISSED THE TAXIWAY ON THE OLD NAVAL BASE AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN A COTTON FIELD. HE SPOTTED A HOUSE AT THE END OF THE FIELD AND TURNED JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. THE AIRCRAFT HIT A DITCH AT THE END OF THE FIELD AND BOUNCED UP ON THE TAXIWAY. THE PILOT DID NOT RESPOND TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE HOSPITAL.
Full Narrative
THE PRIVATE PILOT HAD JUST LEVELED OFF AT 2500 FEET AND POINTED OUT THE OLD NAVAL BASE TO HIS RIGHT FRONT SEAT PASSENGER WHEN HE SLUMPED OVER THE YOKE. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR SEAT HELD THE PILOT OFF THE CONTROLS WHILE HER NON-PILOT HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT. HE MISSED THE TAXIWAY ON THE OLD NAVAL BASE AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND IN A COTTON FIELD. HE SPOTTED A HOUSE AT THE END OF THE FIELD AND TURNED JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. THE AIRCRAFT HIT A DITCH AT THE END OF THE FIELD AND BOUNCED UP ON THE TAXIWAY. THE PILOT DID NOT RESPOND TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE HOSPITAL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest AirportArnold Field (1nm WSW)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN2858E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMetro Flying School & Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 minor injuries)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:50
Weather SourceWFAC