# NTSB LAX86LA045: Cessna 172A, N7130Q, Sunizona, AZ, November 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 23, 1985, 10:07 local (17:07 UTC)
- Place: Sunizona, AZ
- Coordinates: 31.540664, -109.459167 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.5407&lon=-109.4592&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25022
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25022/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA045

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - exceeded (contributing factor)
  - stall - performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE PERFORMING 'LOW LEVEL SURVEILLANCE FOR DEER' A PAX POINTED OUTSIDE THE ACFT TO A FAMILIAR CAMP SITE. THE PLT STATED THIS ACTION DISTRACTED HIM & THEREAFTER HE FLEW UP A NARROW CANYON. UNABLE TO REVERSE COURSE BECAUSE OF RISING TERRAIN, THE PLT STATED HE 'ELECTED TO STALL THE ACFT INTO THE TREES.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7130Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172A
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17260430
- Airframe hours: 10122
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2H 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Davis-Monthan Aero Club
- Registered owner: United States Air Force
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 22, 1985, 1 hours before
- Departed: DMA, TUCSON, AZ
- Destination: DUG, DOUGLAS, AZ
- Flight plan: Military VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 164 total, 150 in this make and model, 120 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19851123057959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851123057959A), Nov 23, 1985: Cessna 172L, Sunizona, AZ, Destroyed. Entered a canyon looking for deer. Aircraft could not outclimb canyons rising floor. Stalled into trees and burned.

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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