# NTSB LAX85LA184: Cessna 152, N67001, Shafter, CA, March 22, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 22, 1985, 15:53 local (23:53 UTC)
- Place: Shafter, CA
- Coordinates: 35.489727, -119.299049 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4897&lon=-119.2990&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24682
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA184
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24682/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA184

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - improper initial training, flight instructor(on ground) (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lowering of flaps - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - raising of flaps - performed
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT WAS ON HIS 1ST SUPERVISED SOLO FLT. HE REPORTED THAT ON DOWNWIND, THE ACFT WAS TOO HI, SO HE EXTENDED 10 DEG OF FLAPS. ON BASE, HE EXTENDED THE FLAPS TO 20 DEG, & BEFORE TURNING ONTO FINAL APCH, HE FURTHER EXTENDED THEM TO 30 DEG. THE STUDENT THEN REALIZED THE ACFT WAS GETTING TOO LOW, SO HE RETRACTED THE FLAPS. THE ACFT THEN DESCENDED EXTREMELY LOW, COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES APRX 1/2 MI FROM THE RWY & CRASH LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE CHIEF INSTRUCTOR BELIEVED THE STUDENT'S CFI USED IMPROPER METHODS & RELEASED THE STUDENT FOR SOLO BEFORE HE WAS READY. TWO OTHER EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS PROVIDED AN ADDITIONAL 40 HRS OF DUAL INSTRUCTION & DID NOT RE-SOLO THE STUDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N67001](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N67001-1988-09-21), registration cancelled 1988-09-21, S/N 15281715 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15281715
- Airframe hours: 1353
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Air Center International, Inc.
- Registered owner: K.L. Holbert
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Destination: MIT
- Airport: MIT, Shafter-Minter Field, runway 30, 4,520 × 150 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 21 total, 21 in this make and model, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °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 19850322011249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850322011249A), Mar 22, 1985: Cessna 152, Shafter, CA, Substantial damage. Student collided with power line on final for first solo. Improper training and procedures.

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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