# NTSB LAX86LA071: Cessna 152, N4946H, Arbuckle, CA, December 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 18, 1985, 16:00 local (Dec 19, 1985, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Arbuckle, CA
- Coordinates: 39.020511, -122.040519 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0205&lon=-122.0405&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25041
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA071
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25041/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA071

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - in-flight planning/decision - intentional, pilot in command
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE 35-HR STUDENT PLT WAS AUTHORIZED TO FLY ON A SOLO INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT TO THE COLUSA COUNTY ARPT. BUT, FOR 'PERSONAL REASONS' THE STUDENT DISOBEYED HIS CFI & LANDED AT AN UNCHARTED, GRAVEL, PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. DURING LANDING ROLL OUT THE STUDENT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE ACFT. THE ACFT'S LEFT WHEEL ROLLED OFF THE EDGE OF THE RWY & THE LEFT WING TIP COLLIDED WITH A TREE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4946H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4946H-1989-03-16), registration cancelled 1989-03-16, S/N 15284039 (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: 15284039
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Ronald E. Zeman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: WLW, WILLOWS, CA
- Destination: ARBUCKLE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 35 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19851218070539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851218070539A), Dec 18, 1985: Cessna 152, Arbuckle, CA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control during rollout. Wing struck a tree. Landing not authorized by CFI for uncharted airstrip.

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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