# NTSB LAX85LA285: Cessna 172M, N12385, Garberville, CA, June 12, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 12, 1985, 16:35 local (23:35 UTC)
- Place: Garberville, CA
- Location: 40.1003° N, 123.7943° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Garberville, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.1003&lon=-123.7943&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24748
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA285
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24748/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA285

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT TOOK OFF IN A RIGHT QUARTERING X-WIND OF ABOUT 45 DEGS AT 15 KTS WITH GUSTS TO 20 KTS. THERE WERE FOUR PERSONS AND 30 GALS OF FUEL ON BOARD. THE RWY WAS 2500 FT IN LENGTH.THE PLT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER LIFTOFF A GUST OF WIND PUSHED THE ACFT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RWY. THE ACFT WAS STILL LOW ENOUGH TO THE GROUND THAT ITS LANDING GEAR ANDHORIZONTAL STABILIZER CONTACTED A MOUND OF DIRT WHICH WAS 2 TO 3 FT HIGH. THIS CONTACT SUBSEQUENTLY DAMAGED THE ACFT WHICH CONTINUED FLT TO IT'S PREPLANNED DESTINATION BEFORE LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12385](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12385-1989-08-16), registration cancelled 1989-08-16, S/N 17261960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17261960
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dan Dawson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 27, 1985
- Destination: O28, WILLITS, CA
- Airport: Big Flat, runway 27, 2,500 ×  ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 100 total, 40 in this make and model, 40 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19850612070979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850612070979A), Jun 12, 1985: Cessna 172M, Garberville, CA, Substantial damage. The pilot reported that on takeoff, a gust of wind pushed the aircraft into a dirt mound. Pilot continued flight.

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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