# NTSB LAX90LA344: Cessna 180, N9463C, Tucson, AZ, August 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 2, 1990, 12:25 local (19:25 UTC)
- Place: Tucson, AZ
- Coordinates: 32.15092, -110.93077 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.1509&lon=-110.9308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26939
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA344
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26939/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA344

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE DISTANCE FROM A MD-80'S JET EXHAUST.

## Sequence of events

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

- Propeller blast or jet exhaust/suction, taxi - from landing
  - planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - distance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose down, taxi - from landing

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A CARGO CARRYING AIRPLANE LANDED AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS ATC CLEARANCE, BEGAN TAXIING TOWARD THE PARKING AREA. THE CHOSEN TAXIWAY CROSSED BEHIND A TRANSPORT CATEGORY JET (MD 80) WHICH WAS HOLDING FOR TAKEOFF. THE ACCIDENT PILOT TAXIED INTO THE PATH OF THE JET'S EXHAUST AND WAS PUSHED DOWN ONTO ITS NOSE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9463C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9463C), registered now, S/N 31861, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 180
- Registry model: [Cessna 180](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-180) (registry code 2072602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31861
- Airframe hours: 4740
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-J 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: James M Dellas
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 25, 1990, 100 hours before
- Departed: PHX, PHOENIX, AZ
- Airport: TUS, Tucson Intl., runway 21, 7,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 894 total, 51 in this make and model, 840 as pilot in command, 112 in the last 90 days, 54 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19900802050849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900802050849A), Aug 2, 1990: Cessna 180, Tucson, AZ, Substantial damage. Taxied behind an MD80 that was holding for departure. Jet blast blew aircraft onto nose and left wing.

## Other investigations on N9463C (1)

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.

- [NTSB GAA18CA164](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA164), Mar 9, 2018: Cessna 180 (N9463C), Mount Vernon, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.

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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