# NTSB LAX87FA077: Cessna 182Q, N28MB, Essex, CA, January 7, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 7, 1987, 11:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Essex, CA
- Coordinates: 34.95964, -115.309959 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9596&lon=-115.3100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25368
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87FA077
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25368/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA077

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

UPON REACHING HIS DESTINATION THE PILOT DESCENDED TO MAKE A MESSAGE DROP. HE SELECTED A FLIGHT PATH THAT WAS PERPENDICULAR TO A 55 FOOT TALL, UNMARKED, ELECTRICAL POWER LINE. DURING THE LOW PASS FOR THE DROP THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE AIRCRAFT THEN DESCENDED INTO A GROUP OF RAILROAD SIGNAL AND ELECTRICAL WIRES BEFORE COLLIDING WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N28MB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N28MB-2014-09-25), registration cancelled 2014-09-25, S/N 182-65566, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182Q
- Registry model: [Cessna 182Q](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182q) (registry code 2072732) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18265566
- Airframe hours: 1660
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470U 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Carrol W. Kibler
- Registered owner: Western Wood Industries, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 17, 1986, 120 hours before
- Departed: L70, AGUA DULCE, CA
- Destination: ESSEX, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 500 total

## 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 19870107000199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870107000199A), Jan 7, 1987: Cessna 182Q, Essex, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck wires during a low pass to throw out a message to friends on the ground. Aircraft then impacted vertically.

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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