# NTSB LAX93LA002: Cessna 172P, N5394K, Reno, NV, October 2, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 2, 1992, 09:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.479484, -119.740722 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4795&lon=-119.7407&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27838
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27838/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA002

## Probable cause

THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER REMEDIAL ACTION AND IMPROPER USE OF THE RUDDER.  CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE STUDENT PILOT'S IMPROPER FLARE AND LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE NONCERTIFICATED SOLO STUDENT PILOT INTENDED TO PRACTICE TOUCH AND GO TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS AT A NEARBY AIRPORT. THE STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO FLARE THE AIRPLANE DURING THE FIRST LANDING AND BEGAN TO WHEEL BARREL DOWN THE RUNWAY.  AS THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO VEER TO THE LEFT THE STUDENT PILOT APPLIED LEFT RUDDER.  THE AIRCRAFT EXITED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A DITCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5394K (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172P
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17274093
- Airframe hours: 2894
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-02J 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Reno Flying Service
- Registered owner: Reno Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 15, 1992
- Airport: 4SD, Reno/Stead, runway 32, 8,080 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 55 total, 14 in this make and model, 21 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 25 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 19921002040129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921002040129A), Oct 2, 1992: Cessna 172P, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Landed nose down. Wheel barreled on runway. Lost control,veered off runway.

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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