# NTSB LAX85FA253: Cessna 177B, N17239, Ojai, CA, May 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 13, 1985, 15:15 local (22:15 UTC)
- Place: Ojai, CA
- Coordinates: 34.509948, -119.289474 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5099&lon=-119.2895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24509
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA253
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24509/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA253

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT ENTER A BOX CANYON IN LEVEL FLT AT AN ALT BELOW THE TOPS OF THE SURROUNDING RIDGES. THE ENG PWR SOUNDS WERE REPORTED AS 'NORMAL' BY THE WITNESSES. SHORTLY AFTER THE ACFT DISAPPEARED BEHIND A RIDGE, THE WITNESSES SAW BLACK SMOKE RISING FROM THE CANYON FLOOR. THE AREA OF THE CANYON WERE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IS RELATIVELY NARROW, WITH STEEP SIDES AND A FLOOR WHICH RISES ABRUPTLY TO THE MOUNTAINS BEHIND. EXAMINATION OF THE ACCIDENT SITE REVEALED THAT THE ACFT IMPACTED NOSE DOWN IN A NEAR VERTICAL DESCENT. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES WERE IDENTIFIED DURING THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION. THE PURPOSE OF THE FLT WAS FOR THE PLT TO EXAMINE THE WATER DRAINAGE IN THE CANYON.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N17239](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N17239-2012-07-24), registration cancelled 2012-07-24, S/N 17702523, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177B
- Registry model: [Cessna 177B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177b) (registry code 2073708) (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: 17702523
- Airframe hours: 1450
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1F6D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Oyres Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 6, 1985, 85 hours before
- Departed: CMA, CAMARILLO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 100 total, 25 in this make and model, 75 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: OXR, 24 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 19850513016359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850513016359A), May 13, 1985: Cessna 177B, Ojai, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Entered canyon at low altitude and was unable to turn or outclimb rising terrain. Impacted ground and 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.

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