# NTSB LAX96LA069: Cessna 172, N4203L, Ocotillo Wells, CA, December 9, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 8, 1995, 16:45 local (Dec 9, 1995, 00:45 UTC)
- Place: Ocotillo Wells, CA
- Coordinates: 33.169376, -116.269294 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1694&lon=-116.2693&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 18, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29351
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX96LA069
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29351/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA069

## Probable cause

the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper glide path on final approach.

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - distance/altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - terrain condition - berm
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

The pilot said that his landing approach was low, and that the aircraft's nosewheel struck a 2-foot-high flood control berm short of the runway and separated from the aircraft. The aircraft then landed on the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted, 150 feet east of the berm.  There were no mechanical problems.

## Factual narrative

On December 8, 1995, at 1645 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172, N4203L, nosed over during landing at the Ocotillo airport, Ocotillo Wells, California.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight.  The aircraft was substantially damaged; however, the pilot and two passengers were uninjured.  The flight departed from Gillespie Field at San Diego, California, at 1610.

In his written and oral statements, the pilot said that his landing approach to runway 9 was low, and that the aircraft's nosewheel struck a 2-foot-high flood control berm short of the runway and separated from the aircraft.  The aircraft then landed on the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted, 150 feet east of the berm.  He reported no mechanical problems.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4203L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4203L-2012-11-07), registration cancelled 2012-11-07, S/N 17254272, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17254272
- Airframe hours: 1680
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert P. Damberger
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1995, 15 hours before
- Departed: SEE, SAN DIEGO, CA
- Destination: L9O
- Airport: L9O, Ocotillo, runway 9, 2,475 × 150 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 750 total, 250 in this make and model, 750 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TRM, 28 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 19951208040199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951208040199A), Dec 8, 1995: Cessna 172G, Ocotillo Wells, CA, Substantial damage. Nosewheel struck levee short of runway and was sheared off. Landed on runway. Nosed over. Flat low approach.

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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