# NTSB WPR13LA209: Cessna 172N, N3483E, Henderson, NV, April 28, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 28, 2013, 15:57 local (22:57 UTC) - Place: Henderson, NV - Coordinates: 35.970275, -115.133888 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9703&lon=-115.1339&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of lift](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 2, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 86748 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR13LA209 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/86748/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=86748 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13LA209 ## Probable cause The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, including operating in excess of the maximum certified gross weight and center of gravity limits at a high density altitude, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to maintain a positive rate of climb after takeoff. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Planning/preparation: performance calculations](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 114 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 41 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: cG/weight distribution](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 66 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061040/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: high density altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 278 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: maximum weight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035/cases.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 152 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061035/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of lift](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500/sequence.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 252 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/500/sequence.md) - [Landing: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 31 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 172N, 134 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2072434), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the engine rpm began to decrease and the airplane was unable to maintain a positive rate of climb. The pilot initiated a left turn to return to the runway, however, the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot decided to land on a road, and during the landing roll, the right wing struck rocky terrain. At the time of the accident, the airplane exceeded gross weight limitations, the center of gravity was beyond the aft limit, and the density altitude was higher than standard. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative On April 28, 2013, about 1557 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N3483E, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power near Henderson, Nevada. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The local flight originated from Henderson Executive Airport (HND) Henderson, Nevada about 1555, with a planned destination of Zamperini Field Airport (TOA) Torrance, California. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the engine lost power about 450 feet above ground level during climb out from runway 17R. The pilot stated that the engine RPM was slowly decreasing and he decided to start a left turn back towards the airport; however, he could not make it to the runway and initiated a forced landing on a highway. Subsequently, the airplane struck elevated rocky terrain and came to rest upright. A passenger reported that shortly after takeoff, the accident airplane was shaking and not properly climbing out. The pilot then declared an emergency and attempted to return to the airport. The passenger further stated that shortly after the pilot initiated a left bank, the airplane began to descend rapidly. Additional witnesses located within the vicinity of the accident site observed the airplane turning left and unable to climb. The witnesses continued to watch the airplane circle to the left and subsequently observed the airplane descend, strike the ground with its wing, while landing on a highway. One witness stated that the airplane's engine sound was steady and normal. The maximum gross weight for the airplane per Cessna's pilot operating handbook is 2,300 pounds. The pilot stated a takeoff gross weight of 2,279 pounds on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) pilot/operator accident/incident report. However, the weight of the airplane at takeoff was calculated by the NTSB investigator-in-charge, using the empty weight of the airplane as determined by the April 4, 2012, weight and balance revision, the weight of the occupants, 40 gallons of fuel, and 70 pounds of baggage. The calculated gross weight at the time of departure was about 2,426 pounds and the airplane's center of gravity was outside the aft limit of the weight and balance envelope. A review of recorded weather data from the HND automated weather observation station revealed at 1556 conditions were wind 230 at 8 knots, with gusts to 17 knots, temperature 35 degrees Celsius, dew point -13 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.85 inches of Mercury. Using the reported weather conditions and field elevation, the calculated density altitude was about 5,410 feet. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane postaccident. He observed appropriate flight control and enginecontinuity and reported no anomalies. The airplane's right wing was observed to sustain substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine by a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic under the supervision of a FAA inspector revealed no evidence of mechanical anomalies or failures that would have precluded normal operations (see public docket for a detailed report). ## Aircraft - Registration: [N3483E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3483E-2014-12-05), registration cancelled 2014-12-05, S/N 17271565, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N - Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17271565 - Year built: 1978 - Airframe hours: 3096 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320 SERIES 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 6, 2013 - Departed: HND, Henderson, NV - Destination: TOA, Torrance, CA - Airport: HND, Henderson Executive, runway 17R, 6,501 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 21; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 395 total, 62 in this make and model, 334 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 41 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 230° at 8 knots, gusting 17 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 9 °F - Altimeter: 29.85 inHg - Observed at: HND, 25 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 20130428007019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130428007019A), Apr 28, 2013: Cessna 172N, Henderson, NV, Substantial damage. On 4/28/13, N3483E,(Cessna C-172) a private pilot loaded two passengers each weighing approximately 240LBS. Plus 80LBS. Of baggage plus full fuel (40 gallons)… ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 7, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=86748. 3.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40409742&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Record of Email - Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 63 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40409745&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Email%20-%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Record of Email - Passengers (item 3, .PDF, 149 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40409744&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Email%20-%20Passengers-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - Witness (item 4, .PDF, 89 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40409743&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Witness-Master.PDF - Weight and Balance (item 5, .PDF, 890 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40409741&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weight%20and%20Balance-Redacted.PDF - Record of Email - Postaccident Examination (item 6, .PDF, 57 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40409738&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Email%20-%20Postaccident%20Examination-Master.PDF - Record of Email - Engine Examination (item 7, .PDF, 55 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40409746&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Email%20-%20Engine%20Examination-Master.PDF - Airport Manager Report (item 8, .PDF, 637 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40409732&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Manager%20Report-Redacted.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.