# NTSB LAX88FA272: Cessna 177RG, N52504, Cedar Grove, CA, July 30, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 30, 1988, 11:40 local (18:40 UTC)
- Place: Cedar Grove, CA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25851
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA272
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25851/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA272

## Probable cause

PILOTS DECISION TO ATTEMPT A FLIGHT THROUGH A MOUNTAINOUS AREA AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO ENSURE TERRAIN CLEARANCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - performance data - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft performance,turn capability - exceeded (cause)
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N52504](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N52504-1990-09-19), registration cancelled 1990-09-19, S/N 177RG1202 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 177RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177rg) (registry code 2073709) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-360-A1B6D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-360-a1b6d) (registry code 41593, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 177RG1202
- Airframe hours: 1528
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B6D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Alameda Flying Club
- Registered owner: Jerry Fiddler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 21, 1988, 57 hours before
- Departed: OAK, OAKLAND, CA
- Destination: LAS, LAS VEGAS, NV
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 207 total, 3 in this make and model, 152 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point -0 °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 19880730028319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880730028319A), Jul 30, 1988: Cessna 177RG, Cedar Grove, CA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Turned up box canyon instead of canyon with a pass. Over gross and high density altitude. Unable outclimb terrain.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.