# NTSB MIA84LA027: Cessna 120, N76932, Punta Gorda, FL, November 6, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 6, 1983, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Punta Gorda, FL
- Coordinates: 26.890441, -82.050735 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.8904&lon=-82.0507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31060
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA84LA027
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31060/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84LA027

## Analysis

THE ACFT DEPARTED THE RWY WHEN THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR FAILED DURING LANDING. THE PLT STATED THAT AFTER LANDING THE ACFT PULLED TO THE RIGHT, HE CORRECTED TO THE LEFT AND THE ACFT GROUND LOOPED. INSPECTION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT MAIN TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY HAD FAILED. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE WHEEL FAILED FROM OVERLOAD AND SHOWED BENDING CONSISTENT WITH A SIDE LOADING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N76932](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N76932), registered now, S/N 11374, 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: 11374
- Airframe hours: 2262
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David G. Pius
- Registered owner: Thomas Carey
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1983, 34 hours before
- Airport: PGD, Charlotte County, runway 15, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 91 total, 9 in this make and model, 46 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMY, 22 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 19831106056499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831106056499A), Nov 6, 1983: Cessna 120, Punta Gorda, FL, Substantial damage. Ground looped the tail wheel aircraft landing. Side load failed the right wheel and tire. Wing struts damaged.

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.