# NTSB LAX85LA144: Cessna 172N, N739XZ, Healdsburg, CA, February 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 17, 1985, 12:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Healdsburg, CA
- Coordinates: 38.629051, -122.890548 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6291&lon=-122.8905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24653
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24653/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA144

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not possible
  - stall/mush
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ON A LOCAL FLT, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES IN A CANYON. THE PLT REPORTED THE ACFT'S ALT WAS LOWER THAN ANTICIPATED & THE TERRAIN IN THE CANYON ROSE RAPIDLY. FULL ENG POWER WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO NEGOTIATE THE RISING TERRAIN. THE PLT REPORTED THE ACFT'S AIRSPEED & ALT WERE INSUFFICIENT TO EXECUTE A 180 DEG TURN. REALIZING HIS SITUATION, HE ELECTED TO 'STALL' THE ACFT INTO THE TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N739XZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N739XZ-2017-03-21), registration cancelled 2017-03-21, S/N 17270901, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17270901
- Airframe hours: 722
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Paul A. Nocero
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 29, 1984, 79 hours before
- Departed: O60, CLOVERDALE, CA
- Airport: 060, Cloverdale

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 352 total, 96 in this make and model, 275 as pilot in command, 52 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: STS

## 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 19850217051579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850217051579A), Feb 17, 1985: Cessna 172N, Healdsburg, CA, Destroyed. Pilot flew into trees after being unable to climb out of canyon or turn around.

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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