# NTSB LAX84LA030: Cessna 402B, N52LL, Twentynine Palm, CA, October 23, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 23, 1983, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Twentynine Palm, CA
- Coordinates: 34.240219, -115.859458 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2402&lon=-115.8595&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24070
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA030
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24070/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA030

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS LANDED IN A WESTERLY DIRECTION ON A STATE HIGHWAY. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE ACFT'S RIGHT MAIN GEAR WENT OFF THE PAVEMENT ONTO A SOFT, SANDY SHOULDER AREA. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE PLT LOST CONTROL, THE ACFT HIT A BERM & THE GEAR COLLAPSED. THE PLT WAS NOT IDENTIFIED & NO PASSENGERS OR WITNESSES WERE FOUND. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT THE CARGO MAY HAVE CONTAINED DRUGS. ALSO, THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF AN EFFORT TO SET THE ACFT ON FIRE AFTER IT CRASH LANDED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N52LL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N52LL-2012-10-16), registration cancelled 2012-10-16, S/N 402B0525, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 402B
- Registry model: [Cessna 402B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-402b) (registry code 207590P) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 402B0525
- Airframe hours: 2420
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Central Sports
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 5, 1983
- Departed: MEXICO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19831023055029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831023055029A), Oct 23, 1983: Cessna 402B, Twentynine Palm, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft found on side of highway with evidence of carriage of illegal drugs. Gear had collapsed off side of road.

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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