# NTSB LAX91LA168: Cessna 140, N89572, El Mirage, CA, April 9, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 9, 1991, 11:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: El Mirage, CA
- Coordinates: 34.659072, -117.509307 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6591&lon=-117.5093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27168
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA168
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27168/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA168

## Probable cause

THAT THE PILOT MADE A POOR INFLIGHT DECISION TO PRACTICE THE SLOW FLIGHT MANEUVER AT A LOW ALTITUDE AND THAT HE FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING SLOW FLIGHT ABOUT 15 FEET OVER THE DRYLAKE WHEN HE STALLED THE AIRPLANE.  THE ALTITUDE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO EFFECT A RECOVERY AND THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE GROUND IN AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N89572](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N89572), registered now, S/N 8615, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 140
- Registry model: [Cessna 140](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-140) (registry code 2071602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 8615
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Francis J. Connolly
- Registered owner: Francis J. Connolly
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: APV, APPLE VALLEY, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 4,727 total, 400 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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).

- [Accident 19910409009519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910409009519A), Apr 9, 1991: Cessna 140, El Mirage, CA, Substantial damage. Stalled while practicing slow flight 15 feet AGL over dry lake bed. Too low for recovery.

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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