# NTSB LAX91LA010: Cessna 172, N73403, San Carlos, CA, October 16, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 16, 1990, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: San Carlos, CA
- Coordinates: 37.490921, -122.259315 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4909&lon=-122.2593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27043
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA010
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27043/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA010

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S VISUAL LOOKOUT WAS INADEQUATE.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - to takeoff
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN WASHED BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS GOING TO FLY THE AIRPLANE AROUND THE PATTERN TO DRY IT OFF SO THAT IT COULD BE WAXED. WHILE TAXIING TO THE RUN-UP AREA THE PILOT FAILED TO STAY ON THE TAXIWAY CENTER LINE. THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH THE WIND SOCK MAST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N73403](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N73403-2014-12-03), registration cancelled 2014-12-03, S/N 17267432, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17267432
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: United Co-Op Flying Club Inc.
- Registered owner: United Cooperative Flying
- Airport: SQL, San Carlos

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 197 total, 60 in this make and model, 94 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## Other investigations on N73403 (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 LAX08CA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08CA165), Jun 6, 2008: Cessna 172M (N73403), Byron, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his inadequate supervision of the student pilot. Factors contributing to the accident were a sudden wind shift and wind…

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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