# NTSB LAX95LA110: Cessna 172M, N9512H, Corona, CA, February 16, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 16, 1995, 11:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Corona, CA
- Location: 33.8753° N, 117.5664° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Corona, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8753&lon=-117.5664&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29035
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA110
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29035/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA110

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment after aborting a takeoff and improper use of the brakes during the abort.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - aborted
  - aborted takeoff - initiated, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - brakes(normal) - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - aborted
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THE AIRCRAFT WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE AND HE DECIDED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF.  HE REDUCED POWER AND RETRACTED THE FLAPS AND APPLIED BRAKES.  HE STATED THE RIGHT BRAKE LOCKED AND THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY INTO SOFT GRASS. THE NOSE GEAR CAUGHT IN THE GRASS AND THE AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST INVERTED.  THE WINDS WERE DOWN THE RUNWAY AT 10 KNOTS. AN FAA INSPECTOR EXAMINED THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND THE AIRSPEED INDICATOR AND FOUND NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH EITHER SYSTEM.

## Factual narrative

On February 16, 1995, at 1100 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172M, N9512H, was found inverted off the runway at Corona, California.  The aircraft was substantially damaged and the three occupants received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time.  No flight plan was filed for the local pleasure flight.

Information from the pilot indicated that the initial takeoff on runway 25 was routine, but the acceleration was slow.  About halfway down the runway, at a speed of about 50 to 55 knots indicated airspeed, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff.  He reduced the throttle, retracted 10 degrees of flaps, and applied brakes.  The right brake locked and caused skidding.  The aircraft departed the runway and proceeded along the right side of the runway in soft grass.  The nose gear caught in the grass and the aircraft came to rest inverted.  The pilot reported that the winds were down the runway at 10 knots.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft brake system and the airspeed indicator and found no malfunctions to either system.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9512H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9512H), registered now, S/N 17266190, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17266190
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Pdz Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Paul Panagotacof
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: L66
- Airport: L66, Corona, runway 25, 3,200 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 283 total, 70 in this make and model, 210 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 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 19950216001899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950216001899A), Feb 16, 1995: Cessna 172M, Corona, CA, Substantial damage. Poor acceleration. Aborted takeoff. Veered off runway trying to stop. Nosed over. Blamed brakes. No defects noted.

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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