# NTSB LAX90LA296: Cessna 182H, N2355X, Temecula, CA, August 19, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1990, 22:00 local (Aug 19, 1990, 05:00 UTC)
- Place: Temecula, CA
- Coordinates: 34.180435, -116.860153 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1804&lon=-116.8602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26900
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA296
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26900/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA296

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT THAT RESULTED IN HIS CONTINUING FLIGHT WITH AN INOPERATIVE ALTERNATOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - electrical system,alternator - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - object - approach light/navaid (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - comm/nav equipment,transmitter - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - not operating (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE THE PILOT WAS ENROUTE TO HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE NOT RECEIVING HIS TRANSPONDER SIGNAL. AFTER LANDING HE AND THREE PASSENGERS TOOK OFF FOR A NIGHT SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT AFTER THE RUNWAY LIGHTING HAD TRANSFERRED FROM CONTINOUS 'ON' TO PILOT CONTROL. APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AFTER TAKE OFF THE AIRCRAFT RETURNED FOR LANDING. WHEN THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TURN 'ON' THE RUNWAY LIGHTS BY KEYING HIS RADIO TRANSMITTER THE AIRCRAFT'S CABIN LIGHTS DIMMED AND THE RUNWAY LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND ON THE UNLIT AIRPORT. DURING THE GROUND ROLL THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED ONE OF THE PRECISION APPROACH PATH INDICATORS AND A FENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2355X](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2355X), registered now, S/N 18256255, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182H
- Registry model: [Cessna 182H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182h) (registry code 2072718) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18256255
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-R15 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Armbruster, Alan E.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Destination: F70
- Airport: F70, French Valley, runway 18, 4,600 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 178 total, 8 in this make and model, 178 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: RIV, 26 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 19900818034329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900818034329A), Aug 18, 1990: Cessna 182H, Rancho Calif, CA, Substantial damage. Lost electric power elected to land on unlit runway. Struck runway light and fence. Precision approach lights on.

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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