# NTSB LAX99LA306: Cessna 172N, N534CA, San Jose, CA, September 12, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 11, 1999, 18:02 local (Sep 12, 1999, 01:02 UTC)
- Place: San Jose, CA
- Coordinates: 41.300632, -120.100608 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3006&lon=-120.1006&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 2001
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 47358
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX99LA306
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47358/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA306

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout during taxi.  Sun glare was a factor in the accident.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - to takeoff
  - object - pole
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The airplane's left wingtip struck a pole as the pilot was taxiing for takeoff. The pilot reported that his vision was impaired as he taxied westbound into the setting late afternoon sun.  He saw an aircraft parked on his right and did not notice the pole on his left.  He also reported the taxiway centerline was badly faded.

## Factual narrative

On September 11, 1999, at 1802 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N534CA, was substantially damaged when the left wingtip struck a pole during taxi for takeoff at Reid-Hillview of Santa Clara County Airport, San Jose, California.  The private pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight.  The airplane was operated by Concord Flight International, Inc., and rented by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91.  The flight was destined for Concord, California, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that his vision was impaired as he taxied westbound into the setting late afternoon sun.  He saw an aircraft parked on his right and did not notice the pole on his left.  He also reported the taxiway centerline was badly faded.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N534CA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N534CA-2010-03-26), registration cancelled 2010-03-26, S/N 17269379, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17269379
- Airframe hours: 2710
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Concord Flight Intl, Inc
- Registered owner: Aviation Training Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 5, 1999, 82 hours before
- Departed: RHV
- Destination: CCR, CONCORD, CA
- Airport: RHV, Reid-Hillview Of S. Clara

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 299 total, 7 in this make and model, 142 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJC, 8 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 19990911043029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990911043029A), Sep 11, 1999: Cessna 172N, San Jose, CA, No damage. (-23) Pilot states while taxing into the setting sun he did not observe a pole marking a fuel storage area and struck this pole with the l/h wing of the a/c.…

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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