# NTSB LAX90LA072: Cessna 152, N4898L, El Cajon, CA, January 20, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 20, 1990, 09:05 local (17:05 UTC)
- Place: El Cajon, CA
- Coordinates: 32.790386, -116.960922 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7904&lon=-116.9609&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26721
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA072
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26721/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA072

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A FULL STOP LANDING IN CALM WINDS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT IN A CESSNA 152 LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A FULL STOP LANDING WITH CALM WINDS. AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE PILOT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND INTO A DITCH BESIDE THE RUNWAY.  NO PRE-ACCIDENT MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4898L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4898L-2013-05-09), registration cancelled 2013-05-09, S/N 15284240, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15284240
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Volar, doing business as Golden State Aviation
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airport: SEE, Gillispie Field, runway 27, 5,341 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 69 total, 69 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SEE

## 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 19900120000829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900120000829A), Jan 20, 1990: Cessna 152, El Cajon, CA, Substantial damage. Veered off runway into a ditch after swerving upon brake application.

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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