# NTSB LAX91LA192: Cessna 180, N9147C, Truckee, CA, May 4, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1991, 14:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Truckee, CA
- Coordinates: 37.300308, -120.870071 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3003&lon=-120.8701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27188
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA192
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27188/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA192

## Probable cause

THAT THE PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND BRAKES TO ARREST THE RUNWAY EXCURSION.  CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS ENCOUNTERING UNFAVORABLE WINDS, CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, AND LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS TYPE OF AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run
  - brakes(normal) - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS DEPARTING RUNWAY 19 TO PRACTICE TOUCH AND GO TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS.  DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE PILOT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING A DUST DEVIL WHICH CAUSED THE AIRPLANE TO GROUND LOOP.  THE REPORTED SURFACE WINDS WERE 150 DEGREES AT 10 KNOTS GUSTING TO 16 KNOTS.  THE PILOT HAD ACCRUED ONLY 15 HOURS IN THIS TAILWHEEL AIRPLANE OF WHICH 8 HOURS WERE AS PIC.  THE PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND BRAKES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9147C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9147C), registered now, S/N 31246, built 1954 (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: 31246
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470A 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mitch Legarza
- Registered owner: Mitch Legarza
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: TRK, Truckee, runway 19, 4,800 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 160 total, 15 in this make and model, 43 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 10 knots, gusting 16
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: TRK, 1 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 19910504014249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910504014249A), May 4, 1991: Cessna 180, Truckee, CA, Substantial damage. Reported dust devil caused loss of control on takeoff. Veered off runway and nosed over.

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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