# NTSB LAX91LA285: Cessna 172RG/A, N5247U, Vacaville, CA, July 21, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1991, 10:20 local (17:20 UTC)
- Place: Vacaville, CA
- Coordinates: 38.410854, -122.010963 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4109&lon=-122.0110&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27268
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA285
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27268/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA285

## Probable cause

THE PRIVATE PILOT PIC FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING ROLLOUT.  THE CFI PILOT FAILED TO TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION.

## 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)
  - supervision - improper, check pilot
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

BOTH PILOTS STATED THAT THE FLIGHT WAS UNEVENTFUL AND EVERYTHING IN THE AIRCRAFT WAS WORKING. THE APPROACH AND LANDING WAS NORMAL. THE WIND WAS CALM. AFTER TOUCHDOWN THE FLAPS WERE RETRACTED, THE CARBURETOR HEAT WAS PUSHED TO COLD AND THE COWL FLAPS WERE OPENED. AT THAT POINT THE AIRCRAFT STARTED TO VEER OFF TO THE RIGHT. THE PILOT STATED AS THE TURN EXAGGERATED HE APPLIED MORE BRAKE PRESSURE WITHOUT EFFECT. THE PILOT CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT. THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A VISUAL AND FUNCTIONAL EXAMINATION BY AN FAA INSPECTOR DETERMINED THE BRAKES WERE OPERATIONAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5247U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5247U-1992-02-05), registration cancelled 1992-02-05, S/N 172RG0299 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172RG/A
- Registry model: [Cessna 172RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172rg) (registry code 2072438) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172RG0299
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-F1AL68 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Cable Air Inc.
- Registered owner: Cable Air Inc.
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: POC, LA VERNE, CA
- Airport: 045, Nut Tree, runway 2, 3,800 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 776 total, 105 in this make and model, 713 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19910721028839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910721028839A), Jul 21, 1991: Cessna 172RG, Vacaville, CA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on landing roll. Veered off runway into a ditch. Warped brake disc reported.

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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