# NTSB LAX95LA236: Cessna 172M, N61602, New Cuyama, CA, July 2, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 2, 1995, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: New Cuyama, CA - Coordinates: 34.980918, -119.800483 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9809&lon=-119.8005&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 4 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 29, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29137 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA236 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29137/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA236 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed, his premature rotation, and his failure to maintain directional control when the aircraft settled back onto the runway. The pilot's selection of a closed airport for the takeoff attempt was a factor. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - closed - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - rough/uneven - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor) - unsafe/hazardous condition warning - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor) - airspeed - not obtained/maintained, pilot in command (cause) - rotation - premature, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - terrain condition - rough/uneven - Gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run - landing gear,nose gear - overload ## Analysis THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF HE ROTATED AND THE AIRCRAFT LIFTED OFF, BUT QUICKLY SETTLED BACK ONTO THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT THEN VEERED LEFT OFF THE RUNWAY, ENCOUNTERED SOFT SOIL, AND THE NOSE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. REVIEW OF THE NOTICES TO AIRMEN (NOTAM) FILE DISCLOSED THAT A NOTAM WAS ISSUED IN MARCH DENOTING THAT THE NEW CUYAMA AIRPORT IS CLOSED. UNDER THE ENTRY FOR THE AIRPORT IN THE MOST CURRENT FAA AIRPORT FACILITY DIRECTORY, THE REMARKS SECTION STATES: 'AIRPORT CLOSED INDEFINITELY. RUNWAY 10-28 (HAS) NUMEROUS POTHOLES AND DEBRIS AND WEEDS.' ## Factual narrative On July 2, 1995, at 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N61602, collapsed the landing gear following a loss of directional control during the takeoff ground roll at the New Cuyama, California, airport. The aircraft was operated by Santa Barbara Pilot Center of Goleta, California, and was rented by the pilot for the flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and his three passengers were not injured. The pilot had flown to New Cuyama earlier in the day, and was beginning a local personal flight from the airport at the time of the accident. In his statement, the pilot reported that during the takeoff he rotated and the aircraft lifted off, but quickly settled back onto the runway. The aircraft then veered left off the runway, encountered soft soil, and collapsed the nose landing gear. Review of the notices to airmen (NOTAM) file disclosed that a NOTAM was issued in March denoting that the New Cuyama Airport is closed. The most current FAA airport facility directory issued before the accident was examined. Under the entry for the airport, the remarks section states: "Airport closed indefinitely. Runway 10-28 (has) numerous potholes and debris and weeds." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N61602](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N61602-2018-01-25), registration cancelled 2018-01-25, S/N 17264669, 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: 17264669 - Airframe hours: 3098 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Santa Barbara Pilot Center - Registered owner: International Truck - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 21, 1995, 73 hours before - Departed: L88 - Airport: L88, New Cuyama, runway 10, 3,970 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 21; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 62 total, 3 in this make and model, 20 as pilot in command, 18 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 90° at 10 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °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 19950702015939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950702015939A), Jul 2, 1995: Cessna 172M, New Cuyama, CA, Substantial damage. Landed on closed airport. Lost countrol on takeoff after early liftoff to avoid debris and pot holes. Gear collapsed ## Other investigations on N61602 (1) 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. - [NTSB LAX90LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA188), May 22, 1990: Cessna 172 (N61602), Lakeport, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. THE CROSSWIND WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.