# NTSB SEA88FA095: Cessna 172L, N7935G, Ocean Shores, WA, May 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1988, 13:56 local (20:56 UTC)
- Place: Ocean Shores, WA
- Coordinates: 46.970149, -124.139793 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.9701&lon=-124.1398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40724
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88FA095
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40724/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88FA095

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - descent - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT DEPARTED ON HIS FIFTH SOLO FLIGHT FROM THE AIRPORT WHERE HE HAD BEEN ACCUSTOMED TO ORIGINATING HIS INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHTS. AFTER SEVERAL TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS HE PROCEEDED TO A NEARBY AIRPORT AND CONDUCTED AT LEAST ONE MORE TOUCH AND GO. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE TAKEOFF, CLIMB AND ENTRY INTO THE TRAFFIC PATERN. SHORTLY AFTER, A WITNESS SAID THE AIRCRAFT PITCHED NOSE DOWN AND IMPACTED THE BAY IN A NOSE LOW, WINGS LEVEL ATTITUDE. WITNESSES HEARD THE ENGINERUNNING AT IMPACT. NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-IMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR PILOT IMPAIRMENT COULD BE FOUND. THE STUDENT HAD A TOTAL OF ABOUT 19 HRS OF FLIGHT TIME (3 HRS OF SOLO).

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7935G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7935G-1993-05-03), registration cancelled 1993-05-03, S/N 17259635 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172L
- Registry model: [Cessna 172L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172l) (registry code 2072432) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17259635
- Airframe hours: 5157
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Grays Harbor Air, Inc.
- Registered owner: Elma Air Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 15, 1988, 87 hours before
- Departed: HQM, HOQUIAM, WA
- Airport: S26, Ocean Shores, runway 15, 2,700 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 19 total, 19 in this make and model, 3 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HQM, 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 19880514038929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880514038929A), May 14, 1988: Cessna 172L, Ocean Shores, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Stalled and crashed in a bay near end of runway. May have dumped flaps at low speed. Not endorsed for airport.

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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