# NTSB LAX84LA364: Cessna 172RG, N5269V, Lee Vining, CA, June 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 24, 1984, 10:40 local (17:40 UTC)
- Place: Lee Vining, CA
- Coordinates: 37.580886, -118.839988 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5809&lon=-118.8400&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24320
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA364
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24320/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA364

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, climb
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - mountain wave (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - descent - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - electrical tower (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT AFTER ENTERING TIOGA PASS, HE MADE A LEFT TURN TO FOLLOW THE CENTER OF THE PASS & THE ACFT BEGAN TO SINK. HE APPLIED FULL POWER & WENT TO THE BEST ANGLE OF CLIMB SPEED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE SINK. THE ACFT THEN HIT AN ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION TOWER, CRASHED & BEGAN BURNING. THE 2 PASSENGERS RECEIVED SERIOUS BURNS. THE PLT & A PERSON ON THE GROUND RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS 9538 FT. THE DENSITY ALT WAS APRX 13,000 FT. GROUND WITNESSES SAID THE ACFT WAS FLYING EXCESSIVELY LOW PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5269V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5269V-2014-10-27), registration cancelled 2014-10-27, S/N 172RG0489, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 172RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172rg) (registry code 2072438) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172RG0489
- Airframe hours: 675
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James J. Dolan, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1984, 40 hours before
- Departed: MMH, MAMMOTH LAKES, CA
- Destination: LVK, LIVERMORE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 550 total, 450 in this make and model, 530 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19840624026219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840624026219A), Jun 24, 1984: Cessna 172RG, Lee Vining, CA, Destroyed. Flying low for sightseeing encountered a downdraft. Unable climb or see obstructions. Hit electric tower. Burned.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.