# NTSB LAX92LA228: Cessna 172RG, N9645B, Strawberry, AZ, May 31, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1992, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Strawberry, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.190414, -111.169502 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1904&lon=-111.1695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27634
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA228
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27634/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA228

## Probable cause

THE PILOT COMMITTED SUICIDE DUE TO THE PILOT'S EMOTIONAL STATE FROM INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - suicide, pilot in command (cause)
  - emotional reaction, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - interpersonal relations (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT INDICATED TO A FRIEND THAT HE PLANNED TO END HIS LIFE.  THE PILOT WAS REPORTEDLY EMOTIONALLY UPSET AND DEPRESSED BECAUSE OF A RECENTLY DETERIORATED CLOSE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AND EMPLOYMENT DIFFICULTIES.  THE PILOT WAS REPORTED TO HAVE RECENTLY OBTAINED A NEW LIFE INSURANCE POLICY. THE PILOT RENTED A FLYING CLUB AIRPLANE AND TOOK OFF WITHOUT MISHAP.  NO EN ROUTE COMMUNICATIONS OR SERVICES WERE REQUESTED OR PROVIDED TO THE PILOT, AND HE DEPARTED THE AREA.  TWO DAYS LATER THE MISSING AIRPLANE WAS LOCATED.  IT WAS FOUND TO HAVE DESCENDED INTO ESTIMATED 40 DEGREE UP SLOPING, ROCKY, MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.  THE AIRPLANE FRAGMENTED UPON IMPACT; THE CRASH WAS NOT SURVIVABLE.  A HANDWRITTEN NOTE WAS FOUND IN PLAIN VIEW AT THE PILOT'S RESIDENCE.  IN PART, THE NOTE STATED 'GOOD BYE, GOOD BYE...'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9645B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9645B-1997-12-13), registration cancelled 1997-12-13, S/N 172RG0941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172RG
- Registry model: [Cessna 172RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172rg) (registry code 2072438) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 172RG0941
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-F1A6 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Arizona Aviation Flying Club
- Registered owner: Michael A. Roberti
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 17, 1992
- Departed: FFZ, MESA, AZ
- Destination: UNKNOWN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 300 total, 25 in this make and model, 295 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Observed at: 0E4, 15 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 19920531017999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920531017999A), May 31, 1992: Cessna 172RG, Strawberry, AZ, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Found aircraft descended into 40 degree rocky slope and was demolished. Pilot had personal problems. Left a note.

## Other investigations on N9645B (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 LAX83LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA102), Feb 15, 1983: Cessna 172RG (N9645B), Wenden, AZ, 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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