# NTSB LAX83LA108: Cessna 172C, N8347X, Rubidoux, CA, February 19, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 19, 1983, 11:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Rubidoux, CA
- Coordinates: 33.989784, -117.439598 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9898&lon=-117.4396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23619
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23619/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA108

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - below, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED ALONGSIDE THE RUNWAY DURING TAKEOFF IN WINDY CONDITIONS. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT STAGGER INTO THE AIR AT SLOW AIRSPEED FROM A GRASS RUNWAY INTO A 20-30 KTS SANTA ANA WIND OUT OF THE NORTH. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED A SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF WITH 20 DEGREES OF FLAPS. AT 30 OR 40 FT AGL HE FELT THAT HE HAD HIT A WINDSHEAR OR A DOWNDRAFT. HE APPLIED LEFT RUDDER TO AVOID HANGARS ON THE RIGHT. THE ACFT HIT THE LEFT WING TIP AND NOSE AT THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8347X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8347X-1984-01-10), registration cancelled 1984-01-10, S/N 17248847 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172C
- Registry model: [Cessna 172C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172c) (registry code 2072408) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17248847
- Airframe hours: 2272
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Don W. Odell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 26, 1982
- Destination: TRM, THERMAL, CA
- Airport: RIR, Fla-Bob, runway 6, 3,200 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 260 total, 67 in this make and model, 220 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 65 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RAL, 3 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 19830219004689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830219004689A), Feb 19, 1983: Cessna 172C, Rubidoux, CA, Substantial damage. Lifted off too early in severe gusty wind. Aircraft stalled and crashed. Wind exceeded airplane and pilot control.

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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