# NTSB LAX91LA383: Cessna 172, N739YG, Arroyo Grande, CA, September 5, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 4, 1991, 22:49 local (Sep 5, 1991, 05:49 UTC)
- Place: Arroyo Grande, CA
- Coordinates: 35.160209, -120.429321 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1602&lon=-120.4293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27350
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA383
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27350/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA383

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE, AND CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr flight into imc - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE 100 HOUR PRIVATE PILOT RECEIVED A LIMITED PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING FOR A PROPOSED NIGHT FLIGHT IN A RENTAL AIRCRAFT. HE WAS ADVISED THAT AIRMET SIERRA WAS IN EFFECT, WHICH CALLED FOR GENERAL IFR CONDITIONS OVER HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A SIGMET FOR THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ALONG THE ROUTE. HE ARRIVED AT HIS DESTINATION LATE IN THE EVENING. WITNESSES STATED THE WEATHER WAS VERY FOGGY WITH ABOUT 1/2 MILE VISIBILITY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND TERRAIN NEAR THE DESTINATION AIRPORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N739YG](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N739YG-1992-01-24), registration cancelled 1992-01-24, S/N 17270908 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17270908
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Novo Helicopters, Inc.
- Registered owner: Novo Helicopters, Inc.
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: LGB, LONG BEACH, CA
- Destination: L52, OCEANO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 100 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 280° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Observed at: SMR, 12 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 19910905037959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910905037959A), Sep 5, 1991: Cessna 172N, Oceana, CA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Lost control and crashed maneuvering in IMC wear airport. Was advised VFR not recommended. Airmets in efect.

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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