# NTSB LAX89LA207: Cessna A185F, N1042F, Jackson, CA, May 28, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1989, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Jackson, CA
- Coordinates: 38.349597, -120.770133 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3496&lon=-120.7701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26419
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA207
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26419/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA207

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DID NOT ESTABLISH A CLIMB RATE SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO CLEAR TREES BEFORE TURNING TOWARDS THEM DURING A GO-AROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE GUSTY CROSSWINDS WHICH CHANGED TO A TAILWIND WHEN THE AIRCRAFT TURNED TO THE RIGHT AND THE PILOTS FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THEM BEFORE COLLIDING WITH A TREE.

## 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)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A LANDING IN GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, THE AIRPLANE BALLOONED. THE PILOT ADDED FULL POWER AND OPTED TO GO-AROUND. THE AIRPLANE WAS TURNED RIGHT (DOWNWIND) AND COLLIDED WITH A TREE WHEN THE AIRPLANE DID NOT CLIMB TO A SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR OBTACLES. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE WINDS WERE OUT OF THE WEST AT 10 KTS GUSTING TO 15 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1042F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1042F-2011-06-07), registration cancelled 2011-06-07, S/N 18502699, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A185F
- Registry model: [Cessna A185F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a185f) (registry code 2072821) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18502699
- Airframe hours: 2208
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kessler, Lloyd H.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1988, 40 hours before
- Departed: HTH, HAWTHORNE, NV
- Airport: 070, Westover Fld, runway 1, 3,400 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 755 total, 411 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19890528013019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890528013019A), May 28, 1989: Cessna A185F, Jackson, CA, Substantial damage. Tried to land in excessive crosswind, ballooned, began go around and turned downwind. Unable to climb, struck trees

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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