# NTSB SEA90LA033: Cessna 172A, N7878T, Reno, NV, January 8, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 8, 1990, 07:25 local (15:25 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.709403, -119.820869 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7094&lon=-119.8209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 15, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41161
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41161/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA033

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE HIGH, GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS, THE PILOT'S SELF INDUCED PRESSURE TO ARRIVE AT WORK ON TIME, AND HIS LACK OF TOTAL PILOT EXPERIENCE.

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS BLOWN OVER ONTO ITS BACK WHILE THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF IN STRONG, GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. THE PILOT OBTAINED WX FROM A RADIO BROADCAST AND FROM PERSONAL OBSERVATION OF THE ARPT WIND SOCK FOR A FLT TO COMMUTE TO WORK.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with weather, taxi - to takeoff
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, taxi - to takeoff
- Nose over, taxi - to takeoff

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7878T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7878T-1992-11-02), registration cancelled 1992-11-02, S/N 47478 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172A
- Registry model: [Cessna 172A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172a) (registry code 2072404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17247478
- Airframe hours: 2371
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-C 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Marble, William R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 30, 1989, 49 hours before
- Departed: 4SD
- Airport: 4SD, Reno Stead, runway 26, 7,600 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 180 total, 66 in this make and model, 137 as pilot in command, 62 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RNO, 11 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 19900108000299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900108000299A), Jan 8, 1990: Cessna 172A, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Blown over by severe gusty winds while turning crosswind onto runway for takeoff. Entirely too much wind for safety

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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