# NTSB LAX93LA099: Cessna 172L, N7965G, Ramona, CA, January 22, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 22, 1993, 13:55 local (21:55 UTC)
- Place: Ramona, CA
- Coordinates: 33.069068, -116.82933 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0691&lon=-116.8293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27908
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA099
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27908/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA099

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER RELATED TO INADEQUATE AND IMPROPER MAINTENANCE PRACTICES CONCERNING THE CARBURETOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fuel system,carburetor - improper (cause)
  - maintenance - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - maintenance,overhaul - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - berm

## Analysis

BOTH PILOTS SAID THEY WERE PRACTICING POWER OFF FORCED LANDINGS. WHEN THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO UNDERSHOOT THE RUNWAY THE INSTRUCTOR INCREASED THE THROTTLE BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A BERM SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE ENGINE WAS EXAMINED WITH NO ABNORMALITIES NOTED. THE CARBURETOR, HOWEVER, HAD NUMEROUS DISCREPANCIES. THE CARBURETOR ITSELF WAS THE INCORRECT PART FOR THE ENGINE AND THE JETS WERE THE INCORRECT ONES FOR THE CARBURETOR. THE FLOAT WAS INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED AND THE NEEDLE VALVE WAS WORN. INCORRECT SCREWS WERE INSTALLED IN THE THROTTLE BUTTERFLY VALVE AND BOTH THE THROTTLE SHAFT AND ITS ASSOICATED BUSHINGS WERE WORN. THE BOWL TO THROTTLE BODY ATTACHMENT SCREWS WERE FOUND LOOSE. THE HISTORY OF THE CARBURETOR COULD NOT BE DETERMINED FROM AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE RECORDS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7965G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7965G-2013-02-27), registration cancelled 2013-02-27, S/N 17259665, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172L
- Registry model: [Cessna 172L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172l) (registry code 2072432) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17259665
- Airframe hours: 6589
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Coastal Flyers, Inc.
- Registered owner: Coastal Flyers, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 8, 1992, 32 hours before
- Departed: SEE, SAN DIEGO, CA
- Destination: SEE
- Airport: L39, Ramona, runway 27, 4,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 1,766 total, 350 in this make and model, 1,664 as pilot in command, 55 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19930122000799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930122000799A), Jan 22, 1993: Cessna 172L, Ramona, CA, Substantial damage. Engine failed respond on undershoot. Crashed short. Carburetor wrong type for O320. Incorrect parts.

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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