# NTSB LAX85FA311: Cessna 152, N5204P, Marana, AZ, July 8, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1985, 08:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Marana, AZ
- Location: 32.4367° N, 111.2254° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Marana, AZ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4367&lon=-111.2254&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): 24521
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA311
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24521/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA311

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft weight and balance - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PASSENGER HAD JUST PURCHASED PROPERTY AT THE ACCIDENT SITE AND INTENDED TO TAKE AERIAL VIDEO TAPE FOOTAGE OF THE PROPERTY. WITNESSES SAW THE PLT AND PASSENGER BOARD THE ACFT WITH VIDEO CAMERA AND RECORDER. AFTER DEPARTUE, THE ACFT FLEW DIRECTLY TO THE ACCIDENT SITE AND PROCEEDED TO DO STEEP BANK TURNS ABOUT 100 FT AGL. WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT ABRUPTLY PITCH DOWN AND ROLL TO THE RIGHT, IMPACTING ON THE RIGHT WING TIP. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE ACFT DEPARTED AT A MINIMUM OF 82 POUNDS OVER GROSS WITH THE CG AT THE AFT LIMIT. ACCORDING TO CESSNA SUPPLY DATA, THE EFFECT OF THE 82 POUND OVER WEIGHT CONDITION WOULD BE A 2.5% INCREASE IN THE PWR OFF STALL SPEED. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PRE-IMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5204P (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15284894
- Airframe hours: 1366
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Arva Valley Aviation
- Registered owner: Michael C. Albon
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1985, 66 hours before
- Departed: E14, MARANA, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 250 total, 100 in this make and model, 200 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TUS, 22 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 19850708030109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850708030109A), Jul 8, 1985: Cessna 152, Marana, AZ, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Stalled while maneuvering at a low altitude. Impacted ground and burned. Aircraft over gross weight.

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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