# NTSB LAX91LA230: Cessna P210N, N818BF, Palm Springs, CA, May 31, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1991, 17:29 local (May 31, 1991, 00:29 UTC)
- Place: Palm Springs, CA
- Coordinates: 33.850688, -116.55915 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8507&lon=-116.5592&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27221
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA230
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27221/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA230

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

A CESSNA P210N VEERED OFF RUNWAY 12 AND COLLIDED WITH A SAND BANK AND NOSED OVER. THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED TO THE LEFT DURING THE LANDING ROLL AS THE PILOT DECELERATED THE AIRPLANE WITH APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. THE PILOT REPORTED HE APPLIED FULL RIGHT RUDDER. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO TURN LEFT AND DEPARTED THE RUNWAY. THE WINDS WERE REPORTED TO BE FROM 130 DEGREES AT 15 KNOTS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N818BF (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA P210N
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 370
- Airframe hours: 2270
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-P 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert A. Coveney
- Registered owner: Robert A. Coveney
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1991, 75 hours before
- Departed: LGB, LONG BEACH, CA
- Airport: PSP, Palm Springs, runway 12, 8,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,517 total, 1,150 in this make and model, 1,423 as pilot in command, 39 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PSP, 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 19910530018389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910530018389A), May 30, 1991: Cessna P210N, Palm Springs, CA, Substantial damage. Lost control landing,veered left off runway into sand. Nosed over,pilot reported right main tire flat.

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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