# NTSB investigations: Cessna 120, CA

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 1 of 2 · 72 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR27LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR27LA023.md): Cessna 120 · Death Valley, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Investigation open · Oct 24, 2026 · N89885
- [NTSB WPR26LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA106.md): Cessna 120 · Kneeland, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 20, 2026 · N72904 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during landing roll on a snow-covered runway.
- [NTSB WPR22LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA242.md): Cessna 120 · San Carlos, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 28, 2022 · N2056V · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR22LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA072.md): Cessna 120 · Upland, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jan 3, 2022 · N76646 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of airplane control during a go-around as it encountered wake turbulence from a slow hover taxiing helicopter.
- [NTSB WPR19LA233](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19LA233.md): Cessna 120 · Livermore, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2019 · N4237N · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to fouled spark plugs in the No. 4 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and a subsequent loss of control during the initial climb.
- [NTSB GAA17CA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA071.md): Cessna 120 · Lincoln, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 14, 2016 · N120MD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA16LA525](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16LA525.md): Cessna 120 · Davis, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 18, 2016 · N76284 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and noseover. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the seatbelt anchor bracket.
- [NTSB WPR16LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA018.md): Cessna 120 · Lone Pine, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 2015 · N3124N · Substantial damage
  > The fracture of the left main landing gear (MLG) wheel axle due to fatigue, which resulted in the separation of the left MLG wheel during takeoff from a dirt airstrip.
- [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 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 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 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 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 LAX92LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA097.md): Cessna 120 · Sonoma, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 21, 1992 · N3010N · Substantial damage
  > Engine failure due to a binding mixture control shaft. The binding mixture control shaft was the result of inadequate maintenance which allowed the accumulation of moisture and water in the carburetor to remain for an extended period of time causing rust and…
- [NTSB LAX92LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA019.md): Cessna 120 · Olancha, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 1991 · N120MK · Destroyed
  > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall while on final approach. Factors were the high density altitude and the pilot's poor approach planning.
- [NTSB LAX87LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA228.md): Cessna 120 · Fresno, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1987 · N76546 · Substantial damage
  > A Cessna 120 landed left of the runway on a rough dirt area and nosed over. The pilot indicated that the airport is not lighted. The runway is equipped with white reflectors and the taxiways are equipped with amber reflectors. The pilot stated he was unable…
- [NTSB LAX87LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA042.md): Cessna 120 · Columbia, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1986 · N4085N · Substantial damage
  > At the beginning of a local pleasure flight, the pilot lost control of the aircraft while practicing high speed taxiing for directional control for takeoffs and landings. Upon reaching liftoff speed, the power was reduced to idle. The aircraft swerved to the…
- [NTSB LAX85FA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA123.md): Cessna 120 · Irwindale, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 27, 1985 · N9058Y · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
  > A Cessna 120, N9058Y, & a Cessna 152, N65599, collided in midair in the practice area for el monte, CA. Arpt. The two aircraft had departed the controlled arpt within three minutes of each other. Both had one instructor & one student aboard. The Cessna 152…
- [NTSB LAX83LA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA156.md): Cessna 120 · Long Beach, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 25, 1983 · N72548 · Substantial damage
  > According to the pilot during rollout after landing he was making a right turn into a taxiway when a ground loop occurred. The left main gear was sheared during the ground looped and the left wing broke at the strut.
- [NTSB LAX82DA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA107.md): Cessna 120 · San Andreas, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Mar 13, 1982 · N1746N · Destroyed
  > During a three point landing the aircraft started to ground loop. The pilot used rudder and power to recover but the aircraft ran off the side of the runway and struck a tree.
- [NTSB LAX81FVM13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX81FVM13.md): Cessna 120 · Watsonville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Feb 27, 1981 · N1611V · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK77FA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK77FA047.md): Cessna 120 · San Ramon, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Aug 7, 1977 · N2346N · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK77DVD40](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK77DVD40.md): Cessna 120 · Santa Rosa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · May 14, 1977 · N2684N · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX77FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FA023.md): Cessna 140 · Riverside, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Closed · Jan 12, 1977 · N2155V · 2 aircraft · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX77FUG12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX77FUG12.md): Cessna 120 · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Nov 26, 1976 · N2239N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK76DVG39](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK76DVG39.md): Cessna 120 · Angwin, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Jan 2, 1976 · N72904 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK76FVM15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK76FVM15.md): Cessna 120 · Morgan Hill, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Closed · Nov 30, 1975 · N76396 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX74DUG47](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX74DUG47.md): Cessna 120 · Apple Vly, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Apr 10, 1974 · N76385 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK74AP022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK74AP022.md): Cessna 120 · Columbia, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Closed · Dec 5, 1973 · N1719N · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK74DXQ15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK74DXQ15.md): Cessna 120 · Emigrnt Gap, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Nov 23, 1973 · N77212 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK73DVG06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK73DVG06.md): Cessna 120 · Fall Rvr Ml, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 29, 1972 · N1794N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX72FUG57](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX72FUG57.md): Cessna 120 · Elsinore, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Mar 23, 1972 · N1692V · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK72FVG10](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK72FVG10.md): Cessna 120 · Redding, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 8, 1971 · N3087N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK71DVG46](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK71DVG46.md): Cessna 120 · Auburn, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Jan 7, 1971 · N2623N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK71DVD11](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK71DVD11.md): Cessna 120 · Novato, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 12, 1970 · N2507N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX71DVA13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71DVA13.md): Cessna 120 · Taft, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 31, 1970 · N77486 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK70DVA22](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK70DVA22.md): Cessna 120 · Turlock, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jun 5, 1970 · N1926N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX70DUG34](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70DUG34.md): Cessna 120 · Big Bear, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · May 24, 1970 · N76048 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK70DVG08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK70DVG08.md): Cessna 120 · Franklin, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Apr 8, 1970 · N4217N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX70FUD06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70FUD06.md): Cessna 120 · Compton, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Mar 9, 1970 · N76385 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX70FUQ08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70FUQ08.md): Cessna 120 · Santa Maria, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Feb 8, 1970 · N77446 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX70F0141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70F0141.md): Cessna 120 · Lancaster, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 17, 1969 · N3541V · Destroyed
- [NTSB OAK70D0099](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK70D0099.md): Cessna 140 · Placerville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Aug 19, 1969 · N1746N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX69D0316](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX69D0316.md): Cessna 120 · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Apr 4, 1969 · N1940N · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX69D0157](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX69D0157.md): Cessna 120 · Westmorland, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 3, 1968 · N77414 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK69D0088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK69D0088.md): Cessna 120 · Oakdale, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Jul 30, 1968 · N77176 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK69D0013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK69D0013.md): Cessna 120 · Angwin, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Apr 29, 1968 · N77248 · Destroyed
- [NTSB LAX68F0380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX68F0380.md): Cessna 120 · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Closed · Apr 22, 1968 · N77287 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX68D0185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX68D0185.md): Cessna 120 · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 28, 1967 · N89662 · Substantial damage
- [NTSB LAX68D0143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX68D0143.md): Cessna 120 · Helendale, CA · Accident · No injuries · Closed · Sep 28, 1967 · N89567 · Substantial damage

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2071402&state=CA&page=2

## 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND 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&state=CA

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.