# NTSB LAX85LA406: Cessna 152, N64981, Concord, CA, September 25, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 25, 1985, 15:36 local (22:36 UTC)
- Place: Concord, CA
- Coordinates: 38.00061, -122.03038 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0006&lon=-122.0304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24848
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA406
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24848/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA406

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - starting procedure - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - overload
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO TURN TO THE LEFT DURING THE TAKOEFF GROUND ROLL ON RWY 32R AT BUCHANAN AIRPORT, CONCORD, CALIFORNIA AND EXIT THE RWY ENVIRONMENT. THE CERTIFICATED PRIVATE PLT REPORTED THAT SHORTLY AFTER APPLYING FULL POWER THE ACFT 'SWERVED' TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT RUDDER APPLICATION WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO ARREST THE LEFT TURN EXCURSION. THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED AFTER THE ACFT ENTERED THE SOFT DIRT ADJACENT TO THE RWY. THE SURFACE WINDS WERE 260 DEGREES AT 12 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N64981](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N64981-1989-01-12), registration cancelled 1989-01-12, S/N 15281509 (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: 15281509
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 SERIES 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Buchanan Flying Club, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: CCR, CONCORD, CA
- Airport: CCR, Buchanan Field, runway 32R, 4,600 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 108 total, 48 in this make and model, 24 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CCR

## 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 19850925077389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850925077389A), Sep 25, 1985: Cessna 152, Concord, CA, Substantial damage. Failed to maintain aircraft directional control during takeoff. Aircraft departed the side of the runway.

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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