# NTSB SEA90LA031: Cessna 172M, N21543, Salem, OR, December 25, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 25, 1989, 14:55 local (22:55 UTC)
- Place: Salem, OR
- Coordinates: 45.010063, -123.00975 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0101&lon=-123.0097&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41158
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41158/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA031

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT WHILE TAXIING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT ARE: THE PILOT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION AND THE POLE.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - from landing
  - object - pole (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE TAXIING ON THE RAMP TO PARKING, THE PILOT WAS DISTRACTED WHILE TALKING TO THE PASSENGER. THE AIRPLANE'S RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A POLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21543](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N21543), registered now, S/N 17263967, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17263967
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pacific Flyers, Inc.
- Departed: SLE, SALEM, OR
- Airport: 5LE, Mcnary Fld

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 148 total, 63 in this make and model, 94 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19891225053339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891225053339A), Dec 25, 1989: Cessna 172M, Salem, OR, Substantial damage. Right wing collided with a pole while taxiing to park. Was distracted while talking to passenger.

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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