# NTSB LAX88LA313: Cessna 172K, N79226, Fresno, CA, September 8, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 8, 1988, 12:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Fresno, CA
- Coordinates: 36.750106, -119.669776 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7501&lon=-119.6698&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 21, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26098
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA313
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26098/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA313

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - proper alignment - not attained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - runway

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE HAD MISTAKENLY LINED UP FOR FINAL APPROACH ON TAXIWAY RATHER THAN RUNWAY 29L AS INSTRUCTED.  WHEN HE WAS ON SHORT FINAL THE CONTROL TOWER INFORMED HIM OF HIS MISTAKE.  WHILE MANEUVERING TO LINE UP ON RUNWAY 29L, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT.  THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N79226](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N79226-2014-11-19), registration cancelled 2014-11-19, S/N 17257978, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172K
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17257978
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Highway Flying Club Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: SBP, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
- Destination: FAT, FRESNO, CA
- Airport: FAT, Fresno, runway 29L, 7,200 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 335 total, 250 in this make and model, 125 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAT

## 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 19880908038479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880908038479A), Sep 8, 1988: Cessna 172K, Fresno, CA, Substantial damage. Lined up with taxiway. Tower advised. Tried to correct to runway lost control and crashed. Landed in a crab angle.

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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