# NTSB LAX86LA088: Cessna 172N, N733ZF, San Jose, CA, January 11, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 10, 1986, 17:35 local (Jan 11, 1986, 01:35 UTC)
- Place: San Jose, CA
- Coordinates: 37.330333, -121.770912 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3303&lon=-121.7709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25051
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA088
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25051/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA088

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - throttle/power lever,cable - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - object - building(nonresidential)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED TREES AND A BUILDING DURING A FORCED LANDING FOLLOWING A POWER LOSS WHILE ON FINAL APCH TO LAND. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED A FAILURE OF THE THROTTLE CABLE HOUSING AT THE SWAGED BALL JOINT NEAR THE CARBURETOR. THIS FAILURE ALLOWED ENG POWER TO REDUCE TO IDLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N733ZF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N733ZF-2013-05-07), registration cancelled 2013-05-07, S/N 17268673, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17268673
- Airframe hours: 992
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Bee Gee Aero
- Registered owner: Rene M. Barrea
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 30, 1985
- Departed: RHV, SAN JOSE, CA
- Airport: RHV, Reid-Hillview, runway 31R, 3,101 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 176 total, 7 in this make and model, 16 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 18,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RHV, 5 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 19860110000489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860110000489A), Jan 10, 1986: Cessna 172N, San Jose, CA, Substantial damage. The engine lost power on final approach and the aircraft landed in a parking lot. Throttle cable separated.

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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