# NTSB LAX91LA352: Cessna 210, N9542T, Chino Valley, AZ, August 11, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 11, 1991, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Chino Valley, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.769306, -112.450347 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7693&lon=-112.4503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27323
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA352
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27323/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA352

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SLIPPERY CONDITION OF THE ROAD SURFACE BEING USED AS A RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - other
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT WAS ENROUTE FROM ALBUQUERQUE TO AN ULTIMATE DESTINATION IN CALIFORNIA WITH A PLANNED FUEL STOP AT BULLHEAD CITY, ARIZONA. IN THE WEST CENTRAL AREA OF ARIZONA, THE FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED CLOUDS AND RAIN SHOWERS AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO REVERSE COURSE AND HEAD FOR SEDONA, ARIZONA. WHILE ENROUTE TO THE DIVERSIONARY AIRPORT, THE FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED MORE WEATHER WHICH OBSCURED THE SURROUNDING MOUNTAIN TOPS AND THE PILOT DECIDED TO LAND ON A DIRT ROAD NEAR CHINO VALLEY TO WAIT OUT THE FAST MOVING WEATHER CONDITIONS. AFTER THE STORM PASSED, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF FROM THE DIRT ROAD. DURING THE TAKEOFFF GROUND ROLL, THE PILOT HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON THE SLIPPERY MUD ROAD SURFACE AND THE NOSE LANDING GEAR STRUCK A GROUP OF ROCKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9542T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9542T), registered now, S/N 57342, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 210
- Registry model: [Cessna 210](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-210) (registry code 2073402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-470-series) (registry code 17044, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 57342
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Larry D. Challacombe
- Registered owner: Larry D. Challacombe
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: P06, BULLHEAD CITY, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 157 total, 70 in this make and model, 123 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft overcast

## 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 19910811033229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910811033229A), Aug 11, 1991: Cessna 210, Chino Valley, AZ, Substantial damage. Encountered weather en route. Landed on road. Attempted takeoff on muddy road after rain shower. Skidded into rocks

## Other investigations on N9542T (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 MIA67D0254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA67D0254), Sep 2, 1966: Cessna 210 (N9542T), Spartanburg, SC, substantial damage

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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