NTSB Identification: NYC85FFA02.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 27652.
Accident occurred Tuesday, April 23, 1985 in CLARYVILLE, NY
Aircraft: CESSNA 177, registration: N3401T
Injuries: 1 Serious,2 Minor.
NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.THE ACFT IMPACTED TREES DURING A PRECAUTIONARY LNDG DUE TO THE PLTS EST OF A LOW FUEL STATE. THE FLT HAD PROCEEDED R ENROUTE TO AN INTENDED DEST OF OXFORD ME FROM FREDERICK MD WITHOUT FILLING A FLT PLAN. AFTER APRX 3 HRS OF FLYING ON A 60 DEGREE MAG HDG THE PLT DECIDED TO DESCEND THROUGH THE CLOUD DECK TO LOOK FOR AN ARPT TO REFUEL OR A FIELD FOR A PRECAUTIONARY LNDGING DUE TO LOW FUEL STATE. THE DESCENT WAS MADE FROM 9500 FT TO 3500 FT FINALLY IN DETERIORATING WX. CLARYVILLE NY WAS CIRCLED A FEW TIMES IN AN ATTEMPT AT ORIGINATION. THE PLT NEVER USED THE RADIO,HE SAID.TO TRY FOR 2 WAY COMMUNICATION FOR NAV AID. AN ATTEMPT TO LAND IN A FIELD NW OF CLARYVILLE ENDED IN AN OVERSHOOT & ATTEMPTED GO-AROUND BEFORE FLYING UNDER WIRES & STRIKING TREES. THE ACFT WAS IMPALED ABOUT 12 FT AGL. THE PLT STATED THAT HE NEVER CONSIDERED MAKING A 180 DEGREE TURN DURING THE DETERIORATING WX EVEN THOUGH HE WAS UNSURE OF HIS POSITION WHEN STARTING THE DESCENT FROM 9500 FT. ONE WING TANK WAS RUPTURED IN THE CRASH & THE PLT COULD NOT EST FUEL REMAINING.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION..INADEQUATE..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
OVERCONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION..IMPROPER..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
PLANNED APPROACH..MISJUDGED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
JUDGMENT..POOR..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE IN KIND OF AIRCRAFT..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC..CONTINUED..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
IN-FLIGHT WEATHER ADVISORIES..NOT OBTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
PRECAUTIONARY LANDING..INITIATED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS..NOT USED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..CLOUDS
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..HAZE/SMOKE
Contributing Factors
BECAME LOST/DISORIENTED..DISREGARDED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
PREFLIGHT BRIEFING SERVICE..NOT ATTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Index for Apr1985 | Index of months