# NTSB LAX88LA211: Cessna 180, N9124C, Lakeport, CA, June 4, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1988, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Lakeport, CA
- Coordinates: 39.040451, -122.929824 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0405&lon=-122.9298&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26023
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA211
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26023/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA211

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - sign towing equipment - improper (cause)
  - installation - improper (cause)
  - load jettison - not attained, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A BANNER TOW OPERATION, THE PLT TRIED TO RELEASE THE BANNER. WHEN THE BANNER DID NOT DISCONNECT, THE PLT TURNED TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND BEFORE THE PLT COULD REGAIN CONTROL, IT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. INSPECTION OF THE RELEASE MECHANISM REVEALED THAT THE SET-UP DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE STC.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9124C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9124C-2013-10-24), registration cancelled 2013-10-24, S/N 31223, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Registry model: [Cessna 180](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180) (registry code 2072602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31223
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-A 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Anderson, Jerry P.
- Registered owner: Anderson, Paul Jerry
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: 102, Lampson

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 11,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: 102

## 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 19880604018219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880604018219A), Jun 4, 1988: Cessna STC180, Lakeport, CA, Substantial damage. Routed banner tow release rope incorrectly. Unable to release banner, stalled trying to determine cause.

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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