# NTSB LAX97LA216: Cessna 120, N1819N, Hollister, CA, June 17, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1997, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Hollister, CA
- Coordinates: 36.889835, -121.240188 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8898&lon=-121.2402&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 15, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29815
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX97LA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29815/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA216

## Probable cause

the pilot's excessive use of right rudder during the initial stages of the takeoff ground roll, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control.  The unfavorable wind was a related 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
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - brakes(normal) - excessive, pilot in command

## Analysis

The pilot said he lost control of the airplane as he applied right rudder to maintain runway alignment during the takeoff ground roll. The airplane then veered to the right and departed the runway. The airplane nosed over when he applied the brakes to avoid a collision with vegetation and another airplane.  The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane before the accident, and the winds were variable at 15 to 20 knots.

## Factual narrative

On June 17, 1997, at 1300 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 120, N1819N, nosed over after an on ground loss of control during takeoff from the Hollister, California, Municipal Airport.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the certificated commercial pilot was not injured.  The airplane was operated by the owner/pilot as a personal flight when the accident occurred.  The flight was destined for San Jose, California.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The pilot indicated he applied right rudder as the airplane accelerated to maintain runway alignment.  The airplane then veered to the right and departed the runway.  The airplane nosed over when the pilot applied the brakes to avoid a collision with vegetation and an airplane on another runway.

The pilot also indicated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane before the accident.

The pilot reported the winds were variable and gusting 15 to 20 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1819N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1819N), registered now, S/N 12063, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 120
- Registry model: [Cessna 120](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-120) (registry code 2071402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12063
- Airframe hours: 4271
- Engines: Continental C85 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gregory Dennis
- Registered owner: Ames Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 26, 1997, 37 hours before
- Destination: SJC, SAN JOSE, CA
- Airport: 3O7, Hollister Municipal, runway 31, 6,350 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 344 total, 14 in this make and model, 109 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SNS, 17 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 19970617015119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970617015119A), Jun 17, 1997: Cessna 120, Hollister, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft lost control on takeoff, ran off the runway and flipped over. (.4)the pilot said he lost control of the airplane as he applied right rudder to…

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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