# NTSB LAX89LA004: Cessna 172M, N20680, Auberry, CA, October 2, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 2, 1988, 13:23 local (20:23 UTC)
- Place: Auberry, CA
- Coordinates: 37.000499, -119.150062 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0005&lon=-119.1501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26264
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA004
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26264/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA004

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - go-around - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH THE AREA THAT HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND IN AND CIRCLED TO FAMILIARIZE HIMSELF WITH THE TERRAIN.  HE THEN MADE A LOW PASS OVER THE DIRT RUNWAY AND CIRCLED TO LAND.  THE FIRST ATTEMPT WAS DISCONTINUED BECAUSE THE PILOT FELT THAT HE AS TOO HIGH AND TOO FAST.  HE WAS COMFORTABLE WITH THE SECOND ATTEMPT, BUT JUST BEFORE TOUCHDOWN, HE DECIDED TO GO AROUND DURING THE GO AROUND THE AIRPLANE COULD NOT PERFORM WELL ENOUGH TO CLEAR THE TERRAIN.  THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND THE GROUND AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N20680](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N20680-2013-08-07), registration cancelled 2013-08-07, S/N 17261487, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17261487
- Airframe hours: 4415
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles A. Stock
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 8, 1988, 1,077 hours before
- Departed: SQL, SAN CARLOS, CA
- Destination: TOPHAM RANCH, CA
- Airport: Topham'S Ranch, runway 36, 1,900 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 175 total, 90 in this make and model, 7 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAT, 35 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 19881002042569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881002042569A), Oct 2, 1988: Cessna 172M, Auberry, CA, Destroyed. Began go around from an aborted landing too late. Struck trees crashed and burned. Hot day and high density altitude

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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