# NTSB LAX84LA121: Cessna 182F, N3222U, Las Vegas, NV, December 30, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 29, 1983, 16:45 local (Dec 30, 1983, 00:45 UTC)
- Place: Las Vegas, NV
- Coordinates: 36.210334, -115.120529 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2103&lon=-115.1205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24130
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA121
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24130/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA121

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - propeller - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE ACFT STALLED INTO THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN ABOUT 75 FT BELOW ITS CREST. THE PLT REPORTED THAT AS IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE ACFT HAD INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR THE MOUNTAIN THE THROTTLE WAS OPENED BUT THE RPM'S WERE NOT INCREASED. THE TACHOMETER REMAINED AT 2300 RPM. IMPACT IN THE BOX-LIKE CANYON OCCURRED IN A STALLED FLT CONDITION. THE ACFT NOSE GEAR WAS SHEARED OFF AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE ACCIDENT ELEVATION WAS 5900 FT MSL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3222U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182F
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18254622
- Airframe hours: 1091
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James E. Spencer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: VGT, NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 474 total, 284 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 80° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAS, 15 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 19831229064399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831229064399A), Dec 29, 1983: Cessna 182F, Las Vegas, NV, Destroyed. Aircraft entered box canyon and unable to climb out impacted mountain 75 feet from its crest.

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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