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Accident During Takeoff in Fog (N46174)

Paris, AR, US

On July 11, 2004, a Cessna 172I (registration N46174) was involved in an aviation accident near Paris, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, his attempted flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees resulting in the airplane's collision with the trees and subsequent impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A witness reported hearing an airplane start a takeoff in fog, then a sound of impact. The airplane was later found in a pasture. Weather at the time included dense fog and low visibility.

Witness Account

A resident living near the airport reported hearing the airplane at approximately 0530 local time. The witness stated the weather was foggy, with visibility limited to less than 50 feet. He described the engine sounds as normal, indicating the airplane was being revved up for takeoff. Shortly after, he heard a sound consistent with something striking a building. The witness later left his home and, upon returning, drove into a pasture where he located the airplane.

Weather Conditions

Weather data from a station 33 nautical miles west of the accident site recorded a ceiling of 300 feet, surface visibility of 5 statute miles, mist, temperature 72°F, dew point 71°F, wind from 040° at 4 knots, and altimeter 30.10 inches of mercury. A station 30 nautical miles east reported clear skies, visibility 6 statute miles, mist, temperature 68°F, dew point 68°F, calm wind, and altimeter 30.12 inches. At the airport located half a mile east of the accident site, conditions were calm winds with temperature and dew point both 69°F. A local police officer observed the weather at the airport approximately one hour and thirty minutes before the accident, describing fog with visibility of about one-eighth of a mile or less.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

An examination of the airplane's systems found no anomalies. The pilot's autopsy report indicated the presence of heart disease that could cause sudden and unexpected symptoms, but also noted that no findings necessarily indicated that such symptoms occurred.

Aeromedical Considerations

According to the Aeronautical Information Manual, a somatogravic illusion can occur during rapid acceleration on takeoff, creating an illusion of a nose-up attitude. This may lead the pilot to push the aircraft into a nose-low or dive attitude. Conversely, rapid deceleration can produce the opposite illusion. Such illusions are typically encountered at night or in instrument meteorological conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jul 2004 Cessna 172I accident near Paris, AR?

A witness reported hearing an airplane start a takeoff in fog, then a sound of impact. The airplane was later found in a pasture. Weather at the time included dense fog and low visibility.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 172I, registration N46174, at Paris, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate preflight preparation, his attempted flight into adverse weather conditions, and his failure to maintain clearance from the trees resulting in the airplane's collision with the trees and subsequent impact with the ground. Factors contributing to the accident were the fog, the low altitude, the…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040714X00975. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.