# NTSB LAX87LA320: Cessna 172N, N737SL, Sonora, CA, August 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1987, 17:30 local (Aug 31, 1987, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Sonora, CA
- Coordinates: 38.240459, -122.460983 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2405&lon=-122.4610&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25677
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA320
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25677/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA320

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - fence post (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE FLT THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A PARKING LOT WHERE THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN AND COLLIDED WITH A FENCE THAT BORDERS THE LOT. THE ENGINE WAS INSPECTED AND TEST RUN FOR APPROX 20 MINUTES AT DIFFERENT POWER SETTINGS WITH NO DISCREPANCIES NOTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N737SL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N737SL-1989-03-01), registration cancelled 1989-03-01, S/N 17269639 (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: 17269639
- Airframe hours: 980
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gates, Bennett E.
- Registered owner: Gates, Bennett E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 022, COLUMBIA, CA
- Destination: PAO, PALO ALTO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 310 total, 182 in this make and model, 235 as pilot in command, 46 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 5 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F

## 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 19870830079259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870830079259A), Aug 30, 1987: Cessna 172, Sonora, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot reported rough engine and power loss. Struck a fence post landing in a parking lot 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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