On September 14, 1994, a Cessna 152 (registration N89897) was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with a known obstruction while conducting a photography flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tower. 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.
A pilot conducting a real estate photography flight lost visual contact with a tower despite chart awareness and struck the structure while heading southbound.
What happened
The flight was conducted for the purpose of photographing real estate properties. The pilot had reviewed charts prior to departure and was aware that a tower existed in the vicinity of the intended route. Despite this knowledge, the pilot did not maintain visual contact with the obstruction.
While heading southbound, the airplane impacted the tower. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. Following the impact, the pilot retained control of the airplane and continued the flight. The pilot successfully completed an uneventful landing at Indianapolis, Indiana.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with a known obstruction while conducting a photography flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tower.
What happened in the 14 Sept 1994 Cessna 152 accident near Decatur, IN?
A pilot conducting a real estate photography flight lost visual contact with a tower despite chart awareness and struck the structure while heading southbound.
Were there any fatalities in the 14 Sept 1994 Cessna 152 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna 152, registration N89897, at Decatur, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual contact with a known obstruction while conducting a photography flight, which resulted in an in-flight collision with a tower.
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