# NTSB investigations: Cessna 120

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 2 of 11 · 543 cases

## Cases, newest first

- [NTSB WPR10CA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA043.md): Cessna 120 · Mineral Canyon, UT · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 1, 2009 · N2729N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incorrect use of brakes, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
- [NTSB ERA09LA407](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA407.md): Cessna 120 · Morristown, TN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2009 · N7227E · Substantial damage
  > The partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ERA09CA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA171.md): Cessna 120 · Woodstock, GA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 12, 2009 · N57N · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power, as reported by the pilot, for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB MIA08LA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA08LA196.md): Cessna 120 · Jesup, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 2008 · N77068 · Substantial damage
  > An oil starvation-induced catastrophic engine failure due to the improper installation of the crankshaft expansion plug during engine overhaul.
- [NTSB NYC08CA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA036.md): Cessna 120 · Ocala, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 13, 2007 · N120AB · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment during landing.
- [NTSB DEN07CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA052.md): Cessna 120 · La Salle, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 17, 2007 · N1670V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground. Contributing factors included the pilot's intentional low pass and his misjudging his altitude.
- [NTSB CHI07CA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA031.md): Cessna 120 · Perryville, MO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 23, 2006 · N1915N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing which resulted in an overload of the tailwheel attachment structure in the fuselage.
- [NTSB NYC06CA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06CA188.md): Cessna 120 · Ashland, KY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2006 · N1981V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel tank selection, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the trees.
- [NTSB DFW06CA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA185.md): Cessna 120 · Rockwall, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 15, 2006 · N2591N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to compensate for existing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the prevailing crosswind.
- [NTSB CHI06LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06LA191.md): Cessna 120 · Laporte, MN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2006 · N3089N · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot and the loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion during takeoff. A contributing factor was the runway marker.
- [NTSB CHI06CA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA066.md): Cessna 120 · Hibbing, MN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 14, 2006 · N76203 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot used a rough frozen lake for takeoff which resulted in the overload failure of the landing ski. A factor was the rough frozen lake.
- [NTSB ATL06CA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL06CA017.md): Cessna 120 · Woodstock, GA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 18, 2005 · N57N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's excessive braking resulted in a nose over during landing roll.
- [NTSB SEA05LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA165.md): Cessna 120 · Chiloquin, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 7, 2005 · N627DM · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed and a loss of control during a pull-up maneuver. A factor contributing to the accident was the inadvertent stall/spin, which resulted in the subsequent collision with terrain.
- [NTSB DFW05CA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05CA196.md): Cessna 120 · New Roads, LA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 31, 2005 · N1703N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll.
- [NTSB SEA05LA094](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA094.md): Cessna 120 · Elk River, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 5, 2005 · N77377 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. An inadvertent ground loop was a factor.
- [NTSB IAD05LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05LA009.md): Cessna 120 · Willimantic, CT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 2004 · N1811N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's loss of directional control due to his uneven application of brakes. A factor in the accident was the tailwind.
- [NTSB ANC04LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC04LA081.md): Cessna 120 · Beluga, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 2004 · N1847N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in airplane departing the landing surface into a ditch, and subsequently nosing over in tall bushes. A factor contributing to the accident was soft…
- [NTSB LAX04CA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA145.md): Cessna 120 · Red Bluff, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 28, 2004 · N3029N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll on a narrow runway. A contributing factor were the gusty tailwind conditions.
- [NTSB CHI04LA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI04LA075.md): Cessna 120 · Merrill, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 2004 · N73034 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain to conduct a landing. Factors were the reported flat light conditions and the uneven terrain.
- [NTSB FTW04LA065](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA065.md): Cessna 120 · Lonoke, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 26, 2004 · N1961V · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the dusk lighting conditions and unlit airfield.
- [NTSB MIA03CA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA03CA113.md): Cessna 120 · Plant City, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 27, 2003 · N76494 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane resulting in it nosing over during the landing roll.
- [NTSB CHI02CA279](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02CA279.md): Cessna 120 · Brookfield, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 6, 2002 · N2601N · No damage
  > The inadequate visual outlook by the pilot during taxi.
- [NTSB SEA02LA158](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA158.md): Cessna 120 · Missoula, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 16, 2002 · N72594 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for the wind conditions during the landing roll. Delayed remedial action and a high crosswind condition were factors.
- [NTSB CHI02LA118](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA118.md): Cessna 120 · Racine, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 2002 · N6RP · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate weather evaluation and delayed application of carburetor heat by the pilot, and the unsuitable terrain encountered during the forced landing. The carburetor icing conditions and the low altitude were factors.
- [NTSB SEA02LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02LA056.md): Cessna 120 · Deer Park, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 17, 2002 · N77301 · Substantial damage
  > Loss of directional control while landing. A drainage ditch was a factor.
- [NTSB SEA01LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA138.md): Cessna 120 · Troutdale, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2001 · N90077 · Destroyed
  > the pilot's inadvertent visual flight rules ( VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during cruise flight. Factors include his attention being diverted to the indications presented by his Global Positioning System (GPS), and low ceiling…
- [NTSB IAD01LA030](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD01LA030.md): Cessna 120 · Trenton, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 25, 2001 · N3070N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper touchdown in the snow after the airplane became prematurely airborne during an attempted takeoff. A factor was the pilot's inadequate training.
- [NTSB ANC00LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC00LA123.md): Cessna 120 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 14, 2000 · N72775 · Substantial damage
  > A failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane. Factors in the accident were the passenger's inadvertent interference with the controls, and a ditch along the runway.
- [NTSB SEA00LA154](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA154.md): Cessna 120 · Arco, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2000 · N2007V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind condition. Wind gust was a factor.
- [NTSB LAX00LA332](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA332.md): Cessna 120 · Sacramento, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 2000 · N76261 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his improper use of carburetor heat that resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing following a delayed takeoff in conditions that were conducive to carburetor icing. A factor was the nonsuitable…
- [NTSB CHI00LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA213.md): Cessna 120 · Shawano, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 21, 2000 · N2961N · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate preflight planning and the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff. A factor was the road embankment.
- [NTSB SEA00LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA126.md): Cessna 120 · Toston, MT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 2000 · N2146N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude to avoid contact with the ground. Contributing factors were the downdraft conditions and the fence post.
- [NTSB LAX99LA227](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA227.md): Cessna 120 · Chino, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 1999 · N2651N · Substantial damage
  > A preexisting fatigue fracture of the right axle.
- [NTSB SEA99LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA99LA024.md): Cessna 120 · Omak, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 1998 · N120L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing factors were the snow covered runway and a snowbank (berm) at the runway's edge.
- [NTSB CHI98LA325](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA325.md): Cessna 120 · Benton, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1998 · N76884 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadvertant excessive use of the toe brakes during the landing roll.
- [NTSB NYC98LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA007.md): Cessna 120 · Prince George, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 1997 · N1856N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to attain takeoff climb, and his delay in aborting the takeoff. A contributing factor was soft terrain.
- [NTSB NYC98LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA005.md): Cessna 120 · Mineral Wells, WV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1997 · N76898 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power to a blockage in the carburetor resulting in fuel starvation.
- [NTSB NYC97LA147](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA147.md): Cessna 120 · Napoleon, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 17, 1997 · N2550N · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to take off with inadequate fuel.
- [NTSB LAX97LA216](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA216.md): Cessna 120 · Hollister, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 17, 1997 · N1819N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. The unfavorable wind was a related factor.
- [NTSB SEA96LA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA210.md): Cessna 120 · Nampa, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 4, 1996 · N2595N · Substantial damage
  > the solo student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve.
- [NTSB SEA96LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA108.md): Cessna 120 · Rimrock, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 1996 · N2965N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff, and his excessive use of brakes while decelerating the airplane during the aborted takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's loading the airplane above its maximum gross weight, high density…
- [NTSB FTW95LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA223.md): Cessna 120 · College Station, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 1, 1995 · N76856 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inability to maintain directional control after encountering wake turbulence from a landing airplane. A factor was the tailwind.
- [NTSB NYC95LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA072.md): Cessna 120 · Skaneateles, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 12, 1995 · N77467 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his improper use of the brakes.
- [NTSB SEA95LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA047.md): Cessna 120 · Scappoose, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 10, 1995 · N77480 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and inadvertent use of the brakes.
- [NTSB LAX95LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA054.md): Cessna 120 · Torrance, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 1994 · N89885 · Substantial damage
  > A blockage in the carburetor heat air duct which limited the effectiveness of the system's ability to prevent the formation of carburetor ice and resulted in a loss of power. A factor in the accident was the soft nature of the recently plowed ground in the…
- [NTSB CHI94LA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA278.md): Cessna 120 · Manitowoc, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1994 · N1987V · Substantial damage
  > the private pilot's improper use of brakes during the landing roll. A related factor is his lack of total experience.
- [NTSB FTW94LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA153.md): Cessna 120 · Goodyear, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 11, 1994 · N89550 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor was the gusty crosswind.
- [NTSB BFO94LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94LA039.md): Cessna 120 · Chittenango, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 12, 1994 · N1626V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate planning/decision to take off with the presence of a tailwind.
- [NTSB CHI93LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA177.md): Cessna 120 · Crawford, NE · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1993 · N2976N · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed.
- [NTSB SEA93LA066](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA066.md): Cessna 120 · Battleground, WA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 16, 1993 · N2100V · Destroyed
  > The pilot in command's allowing the aircraft to enter a stall/spin condition. Factors contributing to the accident were a tailwind, power lines and trees.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2071402&page=3

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2071402'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=2071402&page=2

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