# NTSB LAX90LA131: Cessna 172M, N13685, Groveland, CA, March 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 30, 1990, 10:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Groveland, CA
- Coordinates: 37.85041, -120.009872 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8504&lon=-120.0099&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 10, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26765
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA131
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26765/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA131

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT.

## 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
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH AND GO TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS ON RUNWAY 27. DURING THE FOURTH LANDING ROLL-OUT, THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY RAISED THE LEFT WING AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE ACFT EXITED THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY, AND COLLIDED WITH A DITCH. THE SURFACE WINDS WERE LIGHT FROM THE NORTH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N13685](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N13685), registered now, S/N 17262942, built 1974 (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: 17262942
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: T.J. Martco
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airport: Q68, Pine Mountain Lake, runway 27, 3,663 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 57 total, 24 in this make and model, 14 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 2 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900330007379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900330007379A), Mar 30, 1990: Cessna 172M, Groveland, CA, Substantial damage. During a touch and go. Ran off runway into a ditch. Blamed wind gust.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.
