# NTSB LAX86LA138: Cessna 172M, N6740H, Guinda, CA, March 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 9, 1986, 13:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Guinda, CA
- Coordinates: 38.709785, -121.849662 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7098&lon=-121.8497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25090
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA138
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25090/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA138

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - vfr procedures - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT & HIS ROOMMATE WENT FLYING IN A RENTED ACFT. THE PLT MANEUVERED THE ACFT THROUGH A VALLEY, REVERSED COURSE, DESCENDED OVER AN ASSEMBLY OF PERSONS & WHILE BUZZING THEM COLLIDED WITH TREES. THE PLT WAS ABLE TO FLY THE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED ACFT BACK TO THE DEPARTURE ARPT WITHOUT FURTHER MISHAP. THE PLT SAID THAT DURING HIS FLIGHT A GUSTY WIND CONDITION HAD EXISTED, & HE KNOWINGLY FLEW IN THE VALLEY BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE MOUNTAIN TOPS. THE PLT ALSO SAID THAT THE TURN HE MADE TO REVERSE COURSE WAS 'TOO TIGHT' & THAT HE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION TO REGAIN ALTITUDE UNTIL AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE TREES. THE PASSENGER STATED THAT IN THE VICINITY OF THE ACCIDENT SITE HE 'LIKELY KNEW SOME OF THE PERSONS ON THE GROUND.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6740H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6740H-1995-08-29), registration cancelled 1995-08-29, S/N 17265560 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17265560
- Airframe hours: 1527
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Domar Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 2Q3, WOODLAND, CA
- Destination: 2Q3, WOODLAND, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 750 total, 45 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles

## 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 19860309005759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860309005759A), Mar 9, 1986: Cessna 172M, Guinda, CA, Substantial damage. The aircraft struck trees after a turn at low altitude but safely landed. Pilot failed to maintain flying speed.

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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