# NTSB SEA89LA108: Cessna 170B, N2873C, Gerlach, NV, June 12, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 11, 1989, 20:00 local (Jun 12, 1989, 03:00 UTC)
- Place: Gerlach, NV
- Coordinates: 40.860137, -119.319274 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8601&lon=-119.3193&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41030
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41030/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA108

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DISPLAYED POOR JUDGEMENT BY SELECTING UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. AS A RESULT, THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL ON THE SOFT TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE LANDED ON AN OPEN AREA TO PICK UP FIRE WOOD FOR A CAMPING TRIP. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER IN MUD. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2873C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2873C), registered now, S/N 26416, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170B
- Registry model: [Cessna 170B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170b) (registry code 2072306) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 26416
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Darden, Elizabeth D.
- Registered owner: Womack, Lewis G.
- Departed: 002, BECKWOURTH, CA
- Destination: NV05, SOLDIERS MEADOW, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 3,250 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Observed at: RNO, 73 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 19890611021659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890611021659A), Jun 11, 1989: Cessna 170B, Gerlach, NV, Substantial damage. Decided to land in a open area to pick up wood. Aircraft nosed over in soft mud.

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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