Casualties unknown

Night Flight from Toledo to Cincinnati Crashes in Lima, Ohio (N71536)

Lima, OH, US

On September 4, 1987, a Cessna 182 (registration N71536) was involved in an aviation accident near Lima, OH. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on a night flight from Toledo to Cincinnati crashed in Lima, Ohio, after circling. It struck a dike, power line, tree stump, and steel building. Investigation found no aircraft problems; pilot had elevated blood alcohol.

Accident Overview

An aircraft conducting a night flight from Toledo to Cincinnati, Ohio, crashed along the route in Lima, Ohio. Several local residents reported hearing the aircraft circling before the crash.

Impact and Wreckage

The initial impact occurred with the top of a dike after the aircraft crossed over a reservoir. During the crash sequence, the aircraft struck a power line, a tree stump, and a steel building before coming to rest. The wreckage was scattered over an area of approximately 600 feet.

Investigation Findings

An investigation into the accident failed to disclose any aircraft problems. A toxicology examination of the pilot revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.169%.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 1987 Cessna 182 accident near Lima, OH?

An aircraft on a night flight from Toledo to Cincinnati crashed in Lima, Ohio, after circling. It struck a dike, power line, tree stump, and steel building. Investigation found no aircraft problems; pilot had elevated blood alcohol.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 1987 involved a Cessna 182, registration N71536, at Lima, OH.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31994. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.