# NTSB FTW92LA194: Cessna 172L, N9880G, Ozona, TX, July 25, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 25, 1992, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Ozona, TX
- Coordinates: 30.70017, -101.199218 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.7002&lon=-101.1992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18544
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA194
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18544/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA194

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN OBSTACLE CLEARANCE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

DURING THE APPROACH TO AN UNIMPROVED STRIP, THE LEFT WING STRUCK A TREE CAUSING THE AIRPLANE TO TURN SIDEWAYS. THE PILOT DID NOT GET THE AIRPLANE ALIGNED PRIOR TO THE NOSE GEAR IMPACTING THE SOFT DIRT TO THE LEFT OF THE STRIP. SUBSEQUENTLY THE NOSE GEAR SEPARATED AND THE AIRPLANE CAME TO REST INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9880G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9880G), registered now, S/N 17259780, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172L
- Registry model: [Cessna 172L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172l) (registry code 2072432) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17259780
- Airframe hours: 3071
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wester, Willie J.
- Registered owner: Fox, Jeffery C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1992, 17 hours before
- Departed: 3R5, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX
- Airport: Private

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 165 total, 60 in this make and model, 125 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 185° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 99 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920725028099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920725028099A), Jul 25, 1992: Cessna 172L, Ozona, TX, Substantial damage. Wing tip struck tree top on final landing on unimproved strip. Lost control. Hit nose first and flipped over.

## Other investigations on N9880G (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB MKC72FTG04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC72FTG04), Jul 11, 1971: Cessna 172 (N9880G), Des Lacs, ND, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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