Aviation Crash Map

Cessna 172A N5647A

26 July 1994 · Block Island, Rhode Island, United States · No injuries

Summary

On 26 July 1994 at about 02:15 local time, a Cessna 172A registered N5647A was involved in an accident near Block Island, Rhode Island, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

The record

Date
at 02:15
Classification
Accident
Location
Block Island, Rhode Island, United States
Nearest airport
Block Island State (BID)
Coordinates
Not recorded
Aircraft
Cessna 172A
Registration
N5647A
Category
Airplane
Engines
1
Operator
Not recorded
Operating rule
Part 91: General Aviation
Purpose of flight
Personal
Phase of flight
Not recorded
Route
Block Island → Windsor Locks
Aircraft damage
Substantial
Weather
Unk
Light
Night/Dark
NTSB number
NYC94LA139

People

Nobody was injured.

On board Died Serious Minor Uninjured
4 0 0 0 4

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to initiate VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. The dark night light conditions and the fog were contributing factors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane collided with trees shortly after a night takeoff from runway 28, which is 2501 feet long. The non-instrument rated private pilot reported a 60 to 100 foot thick fog prevailed at the airport. The pilot initiated takeoff with the flaps set at 10 degrees. He indicated the engine tachometer did not exceed 2300 rpm and the venturi operated attitude indicator did not 'come up' during the takeoff roll. He climbed at 65 knots and then raised the flaps when he realized the airplane lacked climb performance. He noticed trees in his path, which he was unable to outclimb. He pitched the airplane up and struck trees with the tail of the airplane. A witness and one of the passengers reported there was heavy fog during the takeoff. FAA examination of the airplane did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction. The airplane was estimated to be 75 pounds over gross weight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.

Other Cessna 172 accidents

Date Aircraft Location Operator Outcome Died
26 Jun 1994 Cessna 172N
N5183E
Lambertville, Michigan, United States Davis College Minor injuries -
21 Jul 1994 Cessna 172N
N76090
Chatham, Massachusetts, United States
no coordinates
- No injuries -
29 Apr 1994 Cessna 172P
N53161
Hillsboro, Oregon, United States Eagle Flight Center, Inc. No injuries -
1 Jul 1994 Cessna 172B
N7472X
Shiocton, Wisconsin, United States - Serious injuries -
29 May 1994 Cessna 172M
N30608
Lookout Pass, Idaho, United States St. Maries CAP Aero Club Serious injuries -
6 Aug 1994 Cessna 172RG
N9686B
Pittstown, New Jersey, United States
no coordinates
- Minor injuries -

All 12,209 records for this type

Other accidents in this area

Date Aircraft Location Operator Outcome Died
6 Aug 1994 Beechcraft 58P
N119RJ
Newport, Rhode Island, United States
no coordinates
- Minor injuries -
1 Sep 1994 Beechcraft F33A
N445B
Block Island, Rhode Island, United States
no coordinates
- Minor injuries -
11 Nov 1994 Beechcraft 35-C33
N5869S
Coventry, Rhode Island, United States
no coordinates
Paul L. Millman No injuries -
30 Jun 1994 Sikorsky S-76B
N76UT
Newport, Rhode Island, United States
no coordinates
- No injuries -
5 Sep 1993 Piper PA-46-350P
N46DK
Block Island, Rhode Island, United States
no coordinates
Deka Research & Devel. Corp No injuries -
19 Sep 1993 Cessna 172
N9931Q
North Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States
no coordinates
John P. Bennett No injuries -

All 170,864 records in United States