# NTSB LAX87LA189: Cessna 172N, N739RV, Lihue, HI, April 24, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 24, 1987, 13:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Lihue, HI
- Coordinates: 21.969375, -159.349227 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=21.9694&lon=-159.3492&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25576
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA189
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25576/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA189

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - low pass - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft weight and balance - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT FILLED THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL TANKS, LOADED THREE AIR TOUR PASSENGERS AND PROCEEDED UP A CANYON THAT CLIMBED UP TO AN ELEVATION OF ABOUT 3000 FEET MSL ON A SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT. A GROUND TOUR BUS DRIVER OBSERVED SMOKE EMANATING FROM THE CANYON AND REPORTED HIS FINDINGS TO THE PARK RANGERS. RESCUE PERSONNEL FOUND THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN THE STEEP WALLS OF THE CANYON.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N739RV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N739RV-1989-03-14), registration cancelled 1989-03-14, S/N 17270753 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17270753
- Airframe hours: 1861
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Blue Sky Aviation Of Lihue
- Registered owner: Helser Loug
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Departed: LJH, LIHUE, HI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

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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