# NTSB LAX90LA154: Cessna 120, N72576, Phoenix, AZ, April 26, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 25, 1990, 22:40 local (Apr 26, 1990, 05:40 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Location: 33.4484° N, 112.0740° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Phoenix, AZ, within about 13 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4484&lon=-112.0740&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 10, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26784
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA154
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26784/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA154

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY IMPROPERLY USING THE RUDDERS/TALL WHEEL STEERING.

## 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)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING TOUCH AND GO TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS ON RUNWAY 07. THE WINDS WERE FROM THE NORTH AT LESS THAT 5 KNOTS. DURING THE LANDING ROLL AFTER THE FIRST LANDING, THE AIRPLANE'S TAILWHEEL BECAME ERRATIC AND THE RUDDER CONTROL DIMINISHED AS THE AIRPLANE SLOWED DOWN. THE PILOT DELAYED IN APPLYING FULL POWER, AND WHEN HE DID, THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N72576](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N72576-2026-10-05), registration cancelled 2026-10-05, S/N 9746, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 120
- Registry model: [Cessna 120](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-120) (registry code 2071402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 9746
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James R. Ohlin
- Airport: DVT, Deer Valley, runway 7, 8,200 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 507 total, 458 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 350° at 2 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 30 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 19900425011819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900425011819A), Apr 25, 1990: Cessna 120, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. Ground looped on landing. Dragged wing tip before stopping.

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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