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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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October 22, 1985 · Cessna 172N · N3177E

Clayton, GA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 22, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Clayton, GA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N3177E
Operator
Bertrand L Fontaine
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL86FA009

THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER SHOWED UP FOR THE SECOND DAY IN A ROW AND CHECKED THE WEATHER FOR THE RETURN TRIP TO FLORIDA. THEY FOUND THE WEATHER VFR AT THE AIRPORT. AN EMPLOYEE OF THE FBO TOOK THE PILOT OUTSIDE AND POINTED OUT THAT THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SOUTH WERE STILL PARTIALLY COVERED BY CLOUDS. THE PILOT TOLD HIM TO NOT MENTION THIS FACT TO THE PILOTS WIFE. THE PILOT REPORTED AFTER TAKE OFF THAT HE WAS AT 3000 FEET AND THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LATER SEEN AT LOW LEVEL OVER A TOWN TO THE SOUTH. NEXT IT WAS HEARD ABOVE OR IN THE CLOUDS NEAR GLASSY MOUNTAIN. THE ENGINE WAS HEARD TO INCREASE IN RPM A FEW SECONDS PRIOR TO THE SOUND OF IMPACT.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER SHOWED UP FOR THE SECOND DAY IN A ROW AND CHECKED THE WEATHER FOR THE RETURN TRIP TO FLORIDA. THEY FOUND THE WEATHER VFR AT THE AIRPORT. AN EMPLOYEE OF THE FBO TOOK THE PILOT OUTSIDE AND POINTED OUT THAT THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SOUTH WERE STILL PARTIALLY COVERED BY CLOUDS. THE PILOT TOLD HIM TO NOT MENTION THIS FACT TO THE PILOTS WIFE. THE PILOT REPORTED AFTER TAKE OFF THAT HE WAS AT 3000 FEET AND THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LATER SEEN AT LOW LEVEL OVER A TOWN TO THE SOUTH. NEXT IT WAS HEARD ABOVE OR IN THE CLOUDS NEAR GLASSY MOUNTAIN. THE ENGINE WAS HEARD TO INCREASE IN RPM A FEW SECONDS PRIOR TO THE SOUND OF IMPACT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:08 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN3177E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorBertrand L Fontaine
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 6 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data