# NTSB LAX92LA316: Cessna 177, N2279Y, Turlock, CA, July 26, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 26, 1992, 08:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Turlock, CA
- Coordinates: 37.470611, -120.849563 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4706&lon=-120.8496&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27702
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA316
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27702/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA316

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS POOR PLANNING IN NOT PROPERLY SECURING THE AIRCRAFT WITH TIEDOWNS, CHOCKS OR BRAKES PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE BY HAND PROPPING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, standing - starting engine(s)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - tie down - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - parking brakes - not used, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, taxi
  - object - aircraft parked/standing

## Analysis

THE PILOT LOADED HIS PASSENGERS IN THE AIRCRAFT FOR A LOCAL AREA FLIGHT AND ATTEMPTED TO START IT; HOWEVER, THE BATTERY DID NOT CONTAIN A SUFFICIENT CHARGE TO ENERGIZE THE STARTER.  THE PILOT DECIDED TO HAND PROP THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH WAS NOT TIED DOWN OR CHOCKED.  WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO STOP IT BEFORE IT COLLIDED WITH AN ADJACENT PARKED AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2279Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2279Y-2004-12-06), registration cancelled 2004-12-06, S/N 17700079, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 177
- Registry model: [Cessna 177](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-177) (registry code 2073704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17700079
- Airframe hours: 3864
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Donald P. Sateren
- Registered owner: Donald P. Sateren
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 24, 1992, 1 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,390 total, 51 in this make and model, 1,390 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19920726030089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920726030089A), Jul 26, 1992: Cessna 177, Turlock, CA, Substantial damage. Hand propped engine started. Aircraft ran into parked aircraft. Was not chocked or tied down.

## Other investigations on N2279Y (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 SEA03CA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA03CA112), Jun 20, 2003: Cessna 177 (N2279Y), Woodland, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's premature liftoff and his failure to maintain/obtain airspeed and directional control during takeoff.

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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