# NTSB LAX97LA095: Cessna 172RG, N80138, Corona, CA, January 28, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 28, 1997, 15:00 local (23:00 UTC) - Place: Corona, CA - Location: 33.8977° N, 117.6024° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at CORONA MUNI (AJO), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8977&lon=-117.6024&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 14, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29719 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX97LA095 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29719/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA095 ## Probable cause Failure of the pilot in command to follow the airplane's before landing checklist and verify the landing gear was fully extended before landing. Factors in the accident were anxiety and diversion of the pilot's attention due to fuel gauge readings. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown - gear down and locked - not verified, pilot in command (cause) - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor) - checklist - not followed, pilot in command (cause) - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot noticed that the fuel gauges were indicating that the fuel quantity was low about 20 minutes into the flight. He elected to make a precautionary landing at the nearest airport. The pilot said his approach was high and fast and he landed long on the runway. The airplane was observed crossing the runway threshold with the landing gear in transit. The airplane touched down with the landing gear not fully extended, the main gear collapsed, and the airplane slid off the runway. After the accident, 42 gallons of fuel were drained from the airplane. No evidence was found of a landing gear system malfunction during a postaccident examination. The airplane's normal procedure checklist instructs the pilot to check and observe the main gear is down and the green gear down indicator light is illuminated. ## Factual narrative On January 28, 1997, at 1500 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172RG, N80138, collided with the surface of runway 25 after the main landing gear collapsed at the Corona, California, municipal airport. The airplane was substantially damaged and the certificated private pilot was not injured. The airplane was rented from the Long Beach Flying Club, Long Beach, California, by the pilot for a personal flight. The flight originated from Long Beach at 1345. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that before departing from Long Beach the "tanks were topped off by request." About 20 minutes into the flight he noticed that the fuel gauges were indicating that the tanks were half full. The pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that he elected to land at the Corona Municipal Airport after noticing that the fuel gauges indicated a lower quantity than anticipated. The pilot stated that the airplane was "high and fast, slowed and set down 1/3 or more down the [runway]. May have hit the nose [gear] first, roll out felt normal for awhile then veered to the left and the nose dropped then the prop hit the ground." Witnesses reported they observed the airplane cross the runway threshold with the landing gear in transit. The airplane touched down with the landing gear not fully extended. The main gear collapsed and the airplane slid off the runway. The airplane's normal procedure checklist instructs the pilot to check and observe the main gear is down and the green gear down indicator light is illuminated. The fuel system was drained after the accident. Seventeen gallons were drained from the right tank and 35 gallons were drained from the left tank. Witnesses also reported about 3 gallons were spilled at the accident site. The landing gear system was checked after the accident by an airframe and powerplant mechanic. The mechanic repaired several hydraulic hoses, one fitting, and replenished the hydraulic fluid. The damage to the components was attributed to the gear collapsing during the landing. No evidence was found of a prelanding mechanical failure or malfunction. The mechanic then performed a functional check of the landing system and reported "all systems operated properly." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N80138](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N80138), registered now, S/N 172RG0507, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172RG - Registry model: [Cessna 172RG](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172rg) (registry code 2072438) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 172RG0507 - Airframe hours: 4554 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-F1A6 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Long Beach Flying Club - Registered owner: Robert Weebe - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, July 25, 1996, 95 hours before - Departed: LGB, LONG BEACH, CA - Destination: AJO - Airport: AJO, Corona, runway 25, 3,200 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 288 total, 32 in this make and model, 173 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 50 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: CNO, 5 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 19970128001149A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970128001149A), Jan 28, 1997: Cessna 172RG, Corona, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft landing gear collapsed on landing. 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.