# NTSB LAX07CA242: Cessna 172B, N7604X, Sisters, OR, August 7, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 6, 2007, 18:41 local (Aug 7, 2007, 01:41 UTC)
- Place: Sisters, OR
- Coordinates: 44.304443, -121.539169
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3044&lon=-121.5392&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 31, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66401
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX07CA242
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66401/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07CA242

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The airplane collided with trees during a go-around.  When the pilot was on final approach he observed a person located near the side of the runway, and he initiated a go-around.  He said that during the pull-up, a wind gust "pushed" the airplane in the direction of the person.  The wind's direction was variable, and its estimated speed was 10 knots, with gusts to 15 knots.  The pilot's attempt at turning the airplane was not successful.  The airplane impacted trees located near the runway.

## Factual narrative

On August 6, 2007, about 1841 Pacific daylight time,  a Cessna 172B, N7604X, collided with trees during a go-around at the Sisters Eagle Air (uncontrolled) Airport, Sisters, Oregon.  The private pilot, who owned and operated the airplane, was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged during the personal flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed.  The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and it originated from Tillamook, Oregon, about 1630.

The pilot reported that when he was on final approach he observed a person located near the side of the runway, and he initiated a go-around.  During the pull-up, a wind gust "pushed" the airplane in the direction of the person.  The pilot further reported that he attempted to turn the airplane by moving the ailerons and rudder, but the airplane would not respond.  Also, the airplane's altitude was inadequate to fly over trees located near the airport, and a collision ensued.

The pilot reported that the wind's direction was variable.  Its speed was 10 knots, with gusts to 15 knots.

The pilot indicated that the accident could have been prevented had he concentrated his attention on flying the airplane instead directing his attention toward the bystander.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7604X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7604X-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N 17248104, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172B
- Registry model: [Cessna 172B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172b) (registry code 2072406) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17248104
- Engines: Continental O-300-D reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas J. Barrier, III
- Registered owner: Thomas J. Barrier, III
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Departed: TMK, Tillamook, OR
- Destination: 6K5, Sisters, OR
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: 6K5, Sisters, runway 02, 3,550 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 139 total, 78 in this make and model, 39 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

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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