# NTSB LAX00LA054: Cessna 172N, N738UA, Concord, CA, December 17, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 17, 1999, 10:24 local (18:24 UTC)
- Place: Concord, CA
- Coordinates: 38.000072, -122.030334 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0001&lon=-122.0303&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 17, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 48409
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX00LA054
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/48409/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA054

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to use a checklist and remove the control gust lock.

## Sequence of events

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

- Forced landing, takeoff - roll/run
  - removal of control/gust lock(s) - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not used, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The 40,000-hour airline transport rated pilot attempted to takeoff with the control gust lock installed.  He stated to an FAA inspector on-scene that he had forgot to remove the gust lock.  He also reported to his insurance company that he failed to remove the control lock well into the takeoff roll.  He stated that he reduced the throttle and went over the airport fence and landed on a road.  The pilot filed a partial Aircraft Accident Report without a statement.

## Factual narrative

On December 17, 1999, at 1024 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172N, N738UA, operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during a takeoff attempt at Concord, California.  The airline transport rated pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed.  The flight was destined for Napa, California.

The airplane overran the departure end of runway 32L after attempting to takeoff with the control gust lock installed.  After the accident the pilot stated to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector on-scene that he had failed to remove the control gust lock prior to the takeoff attempt.  In the pilot's insurance company report he also stated that he failed to remove the gust lock during the takeoff roll.  He said he reduced the throttle and over flew the airport fence and landed on a road near the runway.  The pilot filed a partial Aircraft Accident Report without a statement.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N738UA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N738UA-2017-07-20), registration cancelled 2017-07-20, S/N 17270237, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17270237
- Airframe hours: 4684
- Engines: Lycoming O320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Caesar J. Bertagna
- Registered owner: R. A. Bridgeford, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 15, 1999, 2 hours before
- Departed: CCR, CA
- Destination: APC, NAPA, CA
- Airport: CCR, Concord, runway 32L, 2,800 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 86; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 40,000 total, 12 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CCR, 1 nm away

## 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 19991217045189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19991217045189A), Dec 17, 1999: Cessna 172N, Concord, CA, Substantial damage. (.4) On December 17, 1999, at 1024 hours pacific standard time, a Cessna 172N, N738UA, operated by the pilot was substantially damaged during a takeoff attempt…

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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