# NTSB LAX88LA029: Cessna 182A, N3804D, Laveen, AZ, October 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 31, 1987, 08:50 local (15:50 UTC)
- Place: Laveen, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.300838, -112.200607 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3008&lon=-112.2006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 6, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25895
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA029
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25895/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA029

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FERRYING HIS AIRCRAFT THREE MILES TO A PRIVATE STRIP. SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER. THE PILOT DID NOT THINK HE COULD MAKE IT TO THE PRIVATE STRIP SO HE ATTEMPTED A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A DIRT ROAD. HE STATED HE WAS CONCENTRATING SO HARD ON THE DIRT ROAD THAT HE DID NOT SEE A SAGUARO CACTUS BESIDE THE ROAD. THE LEFT WING OF THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE CACTUS. THERE WAS LIGHT RAINFALL AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THIS FLIGHT. THE PILOT REPORTED USE OF FULL CARBURETOR HEAT COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3804D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3804D), registered now, S/N 34504, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182A
- Registry model: [Cessna 182A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182a) (registry code 2072704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 34504
- Airframe hours: 2915
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Operator: Hoffman, Don G.
- Registered owner: Hoffman, Don G.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 25, 1987, 48 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 214 total, 214 in this make and model, 180 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX, 7 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 19871031069339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871031069339A), Oct 31, 1987: Cessna 182A, Laveen, AZ, Substantial damage. Partial loss of power. Precautionary landing on a dirt road. Collided with a saguaro cactus. Needed carburetor heat

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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