# NTSB LAX85LA319: Cessna 152, N6322B, Thermal, CA, July 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1985, 05:00 local (12:00 UTC)
- Place: Thermal, CA
- Coordinates: 33.480613, -116.100074 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4806&lon=-116.1001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24773
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA319
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24773/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA319

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - dark night
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)
  - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - instrument light(s) - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED DURING A NIGHT VISUAL APPROACH WHILE PRACTICING LANDINGS. THE PAX STATED THAT THE ACFT WAS HIGH ON THE APPROACH AND THE PILOT WAS ADJUSTING HIS RATE OF DESCENT WHEN THE ACFT WENT DOWN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6322B (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15283919
- Airframe hours: 2325
- Engines: LYCOMING 0235L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Palms Springs Flight Center
- Registered owner: Jose B. Villabebos
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 31, 1985, 49 hours before
- Departed: TRM, THERMAL
- Airport: TRM, Thermal, runway 35, 5,000 × 35 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 96 total, 8 in this make and model, 63 as pilot in command, 44 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 130° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TRM

## 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 19850716031589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850716031589A), Jul 16, 1985: Cessna 152, Thermal, CA, Destroyed. Unable to properly use VASI lights for approach angle. Hit nose down short of runway. Instrument light not working.

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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