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November 2, 1985 · Cessna 152 · N93527
Arcadia, LA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 2, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Arcadia, LA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N93527
Operator
Louisiana Tech University
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
FTW86FA023
THE INSTRUMENT FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND STUDENT EXPERIENCED A DIRECTIONAL GYRO FAILURE. THEY COVERED THE INSTRUMENT AND REQUESTED A RETURN TO THEIR DEPARTURE POINT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED TO FLY THE PUBLISHED APPROACH. THEY REQUESTED A DESCENT TO AN ALTITUDE BELOW THE BASE OF THE CONTROLLER'S RADAR, AND DISAPPEARED SHORTLY AFTER. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED TALL TREES IN RAINSHOWER. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT CLOUD BASE WAS AT TREE TOP LEVEL. INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED FOR PARTIAL PANEL FLIGHT WERE FUNCTIONAL. NO OTHER DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED.
Full Narrative
THE INSTRUMENT FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR AND STUDENT EXPERIENCED A DIRECTIONAL GYRO FAILURE. THEY COVERED THE INSTRUMENT AND REQUESTED A RETURN TO THEIR DEPARTURE POINT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS NOT EQUIPPED TO FLY THE PUBLISHED APPROACH. THEY REQUESTED A DESCENT TO AN ALTITUDE BELOW THE BASE OF THE CONTROLLER'S RADAR, AND DISAPPEARED SHORTLY AFTER. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED TALL TREES IN RAINSHOWER. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT CLOUD BASE WAS AT TREE TOP LEVEL. INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED FOR PARTIAL PANEL FLIGHT WERE FUNCTIONAL. NO OTHER DISCREPANCIES WERE NOTED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:47 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN93527
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLouisiana Tech University
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 8 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:52
Weather SourceWFAC