Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172K near Roseglen, ND — 2008-04-11

Final reportCHI08LA101
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Date
2008-04-11
Location
Roseglen, ND, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172K
Registration
N7490G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain obstacle clearance from the TV antenna during a low altitude maneuver. Contributing factors were the antenna, the night conditions, and pilot impairment due to alcohol.

NTSB narrative

During dark night condition, the airplane impacted the terrain after hitting a 40-foot tall television antenna that was standing next to the pilot's doublewide trailer that was located at the pilot's farmstead. The airplane wreckage was discovered in a hayfield about 500 feet west of the trailer at about 1040 the next morning. Inspection of the wreckage revealed that the airplane's right wing struck the antenna about 8 feet from the top of the antenna. Flight control cable continuity was confirmed from the flight controls to their respective attach points on the flight control surfaces. The propeller exhibited characteristics indicative of engine power. A Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report was prepared by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute. The toxicological evaluation of the blood specimen indicated the presence of ethyl alcohol in a concentration of 0.05 percent by weight. This level is consistent with impairment. The FAA regulation 14 CFR Part 91.17 prohibits the operation of an aircraft with a blood alcohol level of 0.04 percent or higher.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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