# NTSB LAX86FA120: Cessna 172M, N9253H, Carlsbad, CA, February 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 17, 1986, 19:03 local (Feb 18, 1986, 03:03 UTC)
- Place: Carlsbad, CA
- Coordinates: 33.129924, -117.299713 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1299&lon=-117.2997&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24901
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24901/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FA120

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - decision height - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - continued, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

AFTER FAILING TO SEE THE RUNWAY ON HIS FIRST ILS APPROACH IN WEATHER REPORTED AT IFR MINIMUMS FOR LANDING, THE PILOT WAS RADAR VECTORED FOR A SECOND APPROACH. ACCORDING TO CONTROLLERS THE APPROACH APPEARED TO BE NORMAL UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT'S RADAR TARGET DISAPPEARED OFF THE SCOPE APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM THE RUNWAY. GROUND RESCUE FOUND THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A FOG SHROUDED RIDGE, IN THE VICINITY OF WHERE IT DISAPPEARED FROM RADAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9253H (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17266048
- Airframe hours: 3216
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Donald E. Graziloi
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 11, 1985, 73 hours before
- Departed: CRQ, CARLSBAD, CA
- Destination: L08, BORREGO SPRINGS, CA
- Airport: CRQ, Mcclellan-Palomar, runway 24, 4,700 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 779 total, 145 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 200 ft
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CRQ, 2 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 19860217086129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860217086129A), Feb 17, 1986: Cessna 172M, Carlsbad, CA, Substantial damage. The aircraft impacted a hill while on final approach. Suspect pilot flew below glideslope to ensure landing.

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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