# NTSB LAX90LA185: Cessna 172A, N6816E, Novato, CA, May 18, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 18, 1990, 13:50 local (20:50 UTC)
- Place: Novato, CA
- Location: 38.0851° N, 122.5483° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Novato, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0851&lon=-122.5483&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26811
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA185
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26811/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA185

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING FLARE THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED BESIDE THE RUNWAY AND IMPACTED AN OPEN DITCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6816E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6816E-2011-07-14), registration cancelled 2011-07-14, S/N 17272071, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172A
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17272071
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dragon Fly Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: APC, NAPA, CA
- Destination: 056
- Airport: 056, Gnoss Field, runway 31, 3,300 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 120 total, 6 in this make and model, 70 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots, gusting 12
- Visibility: 10 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).

- [Incident 19900518016819I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900518016819I), May 18, 1990: Cessna 172N, Novato, CA, Minor damage. Lost directional control of aircraft on a crosswind landing. Veered off runway in a ditch.

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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