# NTSB LAX90LA333: Cessna 172, N6617D, Reno, NV, September 22, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 22, 1990, 16:03 local (23:03 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.909809, -119.679039 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9098&lon=-119.6790&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26929
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA333
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26929/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA333

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE STRONG CROSSWIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER ATTEMPTING A CROSS WIND LANDING, THE PILOT DECIDED TO MAKE A GO-AROUND THE AIRCRAFT STALLED, STRUCK TERRAIN, AND CARTWHEELED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6617D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6617D-2014-11-12), registration cancelled 2014-11-12, S/N 17272904, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- 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: 17272904
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Northern Air
- Departed: RDD, REDDING, CA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: RNO, Reno-Cannon, runway 16R, 10,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 80 total, 20 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 16 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: RNO

## 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 19900922041669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900922041669A), Sep 22, 1990: Cessna 172N, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Lost control in crosswind gust on a attempted go around.

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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