# NTSB LAX85LA246: Cessna 172H, N8188L, Bullhead City, AZ, May 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 6, 1985, 18:00 local (May 7, 1985, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Bullhead City, AZ
- Location: 35.1478° N, 114.5683° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Bullhead City, AZ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1478&lon=-114.5683&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24719
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA246
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24719/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA246

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
  - weather condition - turbulence
  - weather condition - gusts
- In flight collision with terrain/water, climb
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - climb - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT WHILE HE WAS FLYING & LOOKING FOR 'WILD ANIMALS AT THE BASE OF THE MOUNTAIN' THE ACFT'S ENG LOST POWER. THE ACFT DESCENDED & WHEN IT WAS CLOSE TO THE GROUND ENG POWER WAS REACQUIRED. THE PLT FURTHER REPORTED THAT THERE WAS 'SEVERE' TURBULENCE, & THE WIND WAS BLOWING 'FROM ALL DIRECTIONS' AT 35 KTS. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO OUT CLIMB RISING TERRAIN, BUT THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND & NOSED OVER. THE REASON FOR THE REPORTED LOSS OF ENG POWER IS UNDETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8188L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8188L-1991-02-01), registration cancelled 1991-02-01, S/N 17256388 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172H
- Registry model: [Cessna 172H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172h) (registry code 2072424) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17256388
- Airframe hours: 3976
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James W. Riley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 9, 1984
- Departed: LHU, LAKE HAVASU CTY, AZ
- Destination: P06, BULLHEAD CITY, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 8,345 total, 6,500 in this make and model, 80 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 19 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 109 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19850506019219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850506019219A), May 6, 1985: Cessna 172H, Bullhead City, AZ, Substantial damage. Lost power but regained power too close to the ground. Nose wheel struck a rock. Vapor lock suspected.

## Other investigations on N8188L (1)

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.

- [NTSB OAK69D0254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK69D0254), Feb 16, 1969: Cessna 172 (N8188L), Vacaville, CA, substantial damage

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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