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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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December 3, 1985 · Cessna 172RG · N5281U

Mt. Lafayette, NH

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 3, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Mt. Lafayette, NH
Aircraft
Cessna 172RG
Tail Number
N5281U
Operator
Ace Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC86LA046

THE ACFT, WHILE IN CRUISE FLT EN ROUTE TO LYNDONVILLE, VT, ENCOUNTERED A SEVERED DOWNDRAFT AND THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO PENETRATE OR CLIMB OUT OF THE DESCENT. THE ACFT CONTINUED TO DESCEND UNTIL IMPACT WITH A MOUNTAIN OCCURRED. THE ACFT CONTACTED THE TERRAIN AT CLIMB POWER AND ATTITUDE.

Full Narrative

THE ACFT, WHILE IN CRUISE FLT EN ROUTE TO LYNDONVILLE, VT, ENCOUNTERED A SEVERED DOWNDRAFT AND THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO PENETRATE OR CLIMB OUT OF THE DESCENT. THE ACFT CONTINUED TO DESCEND UNTIL IMPACT WITH A MOUNTAIN OCCURRED. THE ACFT CONTACTED THE TERRAIN AT CLIMB POWER AND ATTITUDE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:35 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172RG
Tail NumberN5281U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAce Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-F1A6 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330°
Visibility15 sm
CeilingUnknown 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data