# NTSB LAX86LA350: Cessna 172, N7181G, Novato, CA, September 14, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1986, 18:30 local (Sep 14, 1986, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Novato, CA
- Coordinates: 38.10017, -122.630531 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1002&lon=-122.6305&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25258
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA350
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25258/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA350

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A CROSSWIND LANDING AT THE END OF A PLEASURE CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OCCURRED ON SHORT FINAL AND THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED RIGHT OF THE RUNWAY. A GO-AROUND WAS ATTEMPTED WITHOUT SUCCESS AND THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY WHERE IT CONTACTED A DITCH AND NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7181G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7181G-2015-04-30), registration cancelled 2015-04-30, S/N 17258881, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17258881
- Airframe hours: 2998
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David Grieve
- Registered owner: Mountain Air Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 18, 1986, 32 hours before
- Departed: SQL, SAN CARLOS, CA
- Airport: O56, Gnoss Fld, runway 31, 3,300 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 124 total, 22 in this make and model, 81 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: OAK, 30 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 19860913045329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860913045329A), Sep 13, 1986: Cessna 172K, Novato, CA, Substantial damage. Drifted before touchdown in crosswind. Veered, attempted a go around and departed the side of runway and nosed over

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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