# NTSB LAX89LA258: Cessna 152, N5298B, Fremont, CA, August 2, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1989, 21:00 local (Aug 2, 1989, 04:00 UTC)
- Place: Fremont, CA
- Location: 37.5483° N, 121.9886° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Fremont, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5483&lon=-121.9886&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26463
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA258
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26463/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA258

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISON TO LAND ON AN UNLIGHTED RUNWAY DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS. DARKNESS AND THE LACK OF RUNWAY LIGHTS WERE RELATED FACTORS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - unavailable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKING OFF FROM AN AIRPORT DURING THE HOURS OF DAYLIGHT, THE PILOT RETURNED DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS AND ATTEMPTED TO LAND ON A RUNWAY THAT DID NOT HAVE RUNWAY LIGHTS INSTALLED. HE LANDED IN A DITCH THAT PARALLELED THE RUNWAY, WHICH SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5298B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5298B-1992-05-13), registration cancelled 1992-05-13, S/N 15283830 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15283830
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Harmata, Julie
- Departed: 4CA7
- Destination: 4CA7
- Airport: 4CA7, Fremont

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: SJC, 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 19890801026199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890801026199A), Aug 1, 1989: Cessna 152, Fremont, CA, Substantial damage. Landed in a ditch parallel to the unlighted runway. No lights installed and airport closed at time of night landing

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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