# NTSB LAX85LA245: Cessna 140, N76086, Jackson, CA, May 4, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1985, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Jackson, CA
- Coordinates: 38.350013, -120.769142 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3500&lon=-120.7691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24718
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA245
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24718/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA245

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PRIVATE PLT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF HIS TAIL WHEEL ACFT AFTER LANDING ON RWY 19, GROUND LOOPED AND NOSED OVER IN A DITCH. WIND WAS FROM 270 DEGREES AT 10 KTS WITH GUSTS TO 15 KTS. HE REPORTED NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N76086 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 140
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 10483
- Airframe hours: 2581
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Diana L. Marler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 17, 1984
- Departed: 003, SAN ANDREAS, CA
- Airport: 070, Westover Field, runway 19, 3,400 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1 in this make and model, 1,174 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAC, 34 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 19850504017739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850504017739A), May 4, 1985: Cessna 140, Jackson, CA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on landing and nosed over in ditch. Crosswind and proficiency a factor.

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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