# NTSB LAX82DA149: Cessna 172, N5434D, Litchfield Park, AZ, April 28, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 28, 1982, 09:35 local (16:35 UTC)
- Place: Litchfield Park, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.509471, -112.359924 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5095&lon=-112.3599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 28, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71440
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA149
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71440/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA149

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE STUDENT WAS A PRIVATE PILOT WHO WAS PRACTICING FOR A COMMERCIAL CERTIFICATE. DURING THE FLIGHT, HE ELECTED TO MAKE A SIMULATED EMERGENCY LANDING ON A DIRT STRIP. HE STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF PHASE OF A TOUCH AND GO, HE ENCOUNTERED A DUST DEVIL. REPORTEDLY, HE APPROACHED A STALL CONDITION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLEAR TREES, THEN IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5434D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5434D), registered now, S/N 17272569, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- 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: 17272569
- Airframe hours: 1527
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Litchfield Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Harry Raymond, Jr.
- Departed: LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ
- Destination: LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 130 total, 12 in this make and model, 54 as pilot in command, 127 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 171 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GYR

## 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 19820428012679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820428012679A), Apr 28, 1982: Cessna 172N, Goodyear, AZ, Substantial damage. Unauthorized downwind landing in a duster strip, encountered dust devil on attempted go around. Training terminated

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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