# NTSB LAX82FA213: Cessna 172L, N19659, Meiners Oaks, CA, June 5, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1982, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Meiners Oaks, CA
- Coordinates: 34.510437, -119.290206 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5104&lon=-119.2902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 5, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71656
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FA213
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71656/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA213

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - impairment(alcohol), pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WITNESSES IN A REMOTE CANYON REPORTED AN AIRCRAFT MAKING LOW PASSES IN THAT AREA. THEY LAST SAW THE PLANE GOING UP THE CANYON. LATER, THE AIRCRAFT WAS LOCATED ON A WALL OF THE SAME CANYON. TESTS OF THE PILOT'S BLOOD SHOWED AN ALCOHOL LEVEL OF .279 PERCENT. THE CORONER ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT .150 PERCENT OF THE ALCOHOL LEVEL WAS DUE TO ACTION OF BACTERIA. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WERE FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N19659](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N19659-2011-06-03), registration cancelled 2011-06-03, S/N 17260644, built 1972 (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: 17260644
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James Russell
- Registered owner: Augustus W. Whisnand
- Departed: C, OXNARD, CA
- Destination: UNKNOWN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, invalid medical for flight

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 149 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19820605021099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820605021099A), Jun 5, 1982: Cessna 172L, Meiners Oaks, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Intoxicated pilot was observed buzzing an area in a canyon. Aircraft found burned after impacting the canyon wall.

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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