# NTSB LAX92LA382: Cessna 172N, N2212W, Fillmore, CA, September 12, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 12, 1992, 14:12 local (21:12 UTC)
- Place: Fillmore, CA
- Location: 34.3990° N, 118.9175° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Fillmore, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3990&lon=-118.9175&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27760
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA382
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27760/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA382

## Probable cause

THE FIRST PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT DECISION TO FLY INTO A BOX CANYON. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE BOX CANYON AND THE DOWNDRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, climb
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

TWO PRIVATE PILOTS WERE CONDUCTING A LOCAL PERSONAL FLIGHT OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.  THE FIRST PILOT ELECTED TO FLY INTO A CANYON.  WHILE FLYING UPSLOPE IN THE CANYON THE PILOT REPORTED ENCOUNTERING A DOWNDRAFT. UNABLE TO EXECUTE A 180 TURN THE PILOT ELECTED TO CRASH IN A NOSE UP, SLOW AIRSPEED, ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2212W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2212W), registered now, S/N 17271516, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1727516
- Airframe hours: 3908
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: King Aviation Center, Inc.
- Registered owner: Chrysiliou, Chrysilios
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 10, 1992, 50 hours before
- Departed: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 95 total, 95 in this make and model, 95 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 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 19920912036459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920912036459A), Sep 12, 1992: Cessna 172N, Fillmore, CA, Substantial damage. During low altitude in a canyon was unable to clear terrain as downdraft exceeded climb ability. Impacted nose high

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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