# NTSB LAX99LA145: Cessna 172H, N3289L, North Las Vegas, NV, April 10, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 10, 1999, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC) - Place: North Las Vegas, NV - Coordinates: 36.210498, -115.11911 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2105&lon=-115.1191&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 18, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46090 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX99LA145 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46090/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA145 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll resulting in a collision with taxiway sign. A factor was the sign. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - airport sign/marker (contributing factor) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he was attempting a formation takeoff with another aircraft and initiated his takeoff roll when the first aircraft became airborne. At 65 mph, the pilot rotated and the aircraft veered right just as the wheels left the ground. The pilot stated that he was unable to regain control of the aircraft and the nose wheel collided with a taxiway sign. He said he then was finally able to regain aircraft control and took the aircraft around the traffic pattern and landed on runway 7. As the nose wheel touched down, the nose strut collapsed. Subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the firewall and right horizontal stabilizer. ## Factual narrative On April 10, 1999, at 0930 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172H, N3289L, veered right off runway 30 and collided with a taxiway sign during takeoff from the North Las Vegas, Nevada, airport. The aircraft was operated by North Las Vegas Flying Club and was rented by the pilot for a personal cross-country flight under 14 CFR Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. The flight was originating at the time as a cross-country flight to the Grand Canyon National Park airport. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was attempting a formation takeoff with another aircraft and initiated his takeoff roll when the first aircraft became airborne. At 65 mph, the pilot rotated and the aircraft veered right just as the wheels left the ground. The pilot stated that he was unable to regain control of the aircraft and the nose wheel collided with a taxiway sign. He said he then was finally able to regain aircraft control and took the aircraft around the traffic pattern and landed on runway 7. As the nose wheel touched down, the nose strut collapsed. Subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed damage to the firewall and right horizontal stabilizer. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3289L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3289L-2024-02-09), registration cancelled 2024-02-09, S/N 17256189 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172H - Registry model: [Cessna 172H](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172h) (registry code 2072424) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17256189 - Airframe hours: 4100 - Engines: Continental O-300D 145 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: North Las Vegas Flying Club - Registered owner: David R. Burns - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 9, 1999, 38 hours before - Departed: VGT - Destination: GCN, GRAND CANYON, AZ - Airport: VGT, North Las Vegas, runway 30, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 52 total, 52 in this make and model, 25 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 70° at 5 knots - Visibility: 25 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: VGT ## 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 19990410019409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990410019409A), Apr 10, 1999: Cessna 172H, Las Vegas, NV, Substantial damage. On April 10, 1999, at 0930 hours pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172H, N3289L, veered right off runway 30 and collided with a taxiway sign during takeoff from… 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.