# NTSB SEA93LA024: Cessna 172M, N4324R, Vancouver, WA, November 17, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1992, 17:20 local (Nov 17, 1992, 01:20 UTC)
- Place: Vancouver, WA
- Coordinates: 45.629306, -122.520988 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6293&lon=-122.5210&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42963
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA93LA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42963/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA024

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO SEE BIRDS DUE TO DARKNESS.

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE CESSNA 172 WAS PERFORMING NIGHT LANDINGS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN HIS NIGHT CURRENCY. HE HAD MOMENTARILY DEPARTED THE PATTERN, AND THEN REENTERED ON A 45 DEGREE ENTRY FOR DOWNWIND, IN ORDER TO PRACTICE A PATTERN ENTRY AT NIGHT. JUST PRIOR TO TURNING DOWNWIND, THE PILOT SAW CANADIAN GEESE ILLUMINATED IN THE AIRCRAFT'S LANDING LIGHT. ABOUT ONE SECOND LATER ONE GOOSE CAME THROUGH THE WINDSCREEN, AND AT LEAST ONE OTHER GOOSE IMPACTED THE LEFT WING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - wing,skin - distorted
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - loss,partial
  - aircraft performance - inadequate

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4324R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4324R), registered now, S/N 17263077, 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: 17263077
- Airframe hours: 3304
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D2G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tabooma Flyers Inc.
- Registered owner: Tabooma Flyers Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 3, 1992, 337 hours before
- Airport: 60S, Pearson Airpark, runway 26, 3,200 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 180 total, 76 in this make and model, 130 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 5.5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 260° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19921117046839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921117046839A), Nov 17, 1992: Cessna 172M, Vancouver, WA, Substantial damage. A canadian goose came through wind shield of plane while turning downwind. Another one hit left wing. Dark a factor

## Other investigations on N4324R (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB SEA91LA171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA171), Jun 19, 1991: Cessna 172N (N4324R), Vancouver, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: A HARD LANDING BY THE PILOT DUE TO IMPROPER BOUNCED LANDING RECOVERY.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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