Casualties unknown

1986-05-17: Cessna 172 (N6839A) — Douglasville, GA

Douglasville, GA, US

On May 17, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration N6839A) was involved in an aviation accident near Douglasville, GA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses observed an aircraft circling houses at low altitude before landing and taking off again. Later, while circling, it entered a steep turn, struck trees, then impacted a house roof. Toxicology tests showed elevated blood alcohol levels.

Flight Observations

A witness reported seeing an aircraft flying at low altitude and circling several houses. The pilot subsequently landed the aircraft on a grass strip. After a short time, the pilot and a passenger took off again. The aircraft was again observed circling several houses at low altitude in an area near the strip.

Accident Sequence

According to the witness, the aircraft entered a steep turn at low altitude. Shortly thereafter, it collided with several trees, then impacted the roof of a house. The engine separated from the aircraft and went through the roof. The fuselage bounced off the roof, struck another tree, and then fell to the ground.

Post-Accident Examination

No pre-impact part failure or malfunction was found in the aircraft. Toxicology checks of the pilot and passenger showed blood alcohol levels of 0.17 grams percent (0.17%) and 0.132 grams percent (0.132%), respectively.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33451. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.