# NTSB LAX94LA123: Cessna 172K, N7333G, New Cuyama, CA, February 12, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 12, 1994, 13:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: New Cuyama, CA
- Coordinates: 34.979988, -119.800209 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9800&lon=-119.8002&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28664
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA123
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28664/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA123

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind
  - weather condition - gusts
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command

## Analysis

The pilot reported that he was landing uphill on the private airstrip with a gusting left crosswind.  The pilot said that he lost control after touchdown and the aircraft ground looped, damaging the wings and landing gear.

## Factual narrative

On February 12, 1994, at 1315 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172K, N7333G, ground looped on landing at a private airstrip near New Cuyama, California.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation.  The aircraft incurred substantial damage.  The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries.  The flight originated at Santa Monica, California, on the day of the mishap at 1158 as a personal cross-country flight to the accident site.

In a telephone interview, the pilot reported that he was landing uphill on the private airstrip with a gusting left crosswind.  The pilot said that he lost control after touchdown and the aircraft ground looped, damaging the wings and landing gear.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7333G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7333G-2013-05-07), registration cancelled 2013-05-07, S/N 17259033, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172K
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17259033
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Denys M. Leigh-Taylor
- Registered owner: Herve Lacorne
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Special, Provisional (Special)
- Departed: SMO, SANTA MONICA, CA
- Airport: NONE, Private Ranch Airstrip, runway 20, 1,600 × 40 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 144 total, 57 in this make and model, 31 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SMX, 40 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 19940212002089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940212002089A), Feb 12, 1994: Cessna 172K, New Cuyama, CA, Substantial damage. Lost directional control landing ground looped. Blamed gusty crosswind.

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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