# NTSB WPR14CA268: Cessna L19 - A, N5264G, Firebaugh, CA, June 25, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: June 24, 2014, 20:15 local (Jun 25, 2014, 03:15 UTC) - Place: Firebaugh, CA - Coordinates: 36.704166, -120.857498 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7042&lon=-120.8575&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-flare/touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report September 24, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - NTSB case key (mKey): 89537 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR14CA268 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89537/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89537 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA268 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions in the landing area, which resulted in a loss of directional control and encounter with soft terrain and vegetation. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 305A, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2074002), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Wind: crosswind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Response/compensation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 305A, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md?model=2074002), [All aircraft, 1,008 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034040/cases.md) - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Response/compensation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 305A, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=2074002), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 305A, 18 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2074002), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface: soft surface](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Cessna 305A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023020/cases.md?model=2074002), [All aircraft, 264 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03023020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 305A, 22 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=2074002), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Cessna 305A, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2074002), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, he noticed that the engine temperature had risen above the normal operating range, and he felt that the engine was developing less power. He elected to make a precautionary landing on a flat grassy area. The crosswind was stronger and gustier than he expected and the airplane encountered a gust at touchdown, which placed the airplane off center of the touchdown point. He added power to go-around, however, he was unable to establish a climb as the airplane became unstable in the sand and bushes. The airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings. Other than the elevated engine temperature, the pilot noted no other mechanical malfunctions or failures with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, he noticed that the engine temperature had risen above the normal operating range, and he felt that the engine was developing less power. He elected to make a precautionary landing on a flat grassy area. The crosswind was stronger and gustier than he expected and the airplane encountered a gust at touchdown, which placed the airplane off center of the touchdown point. He added power to go-around, however, he was unable to establish a climb as the airplane became unstable in the sand and bushes. The airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings. Other than the elevated engine temperature, the pilot noted no other mechanical malfunctions or failures with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5264G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5264G), registered now, S/N 21093, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA L19 - A - Registry model: [Cessna 305A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-305a) (registry code 2074002) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 21093 - Year built: 1950 - Airframe hours: 15000 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-470-11 213 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Halpin Timothy R - Registered owner: Halpin Timothy R - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 31, 2013 - Departed: WVI, Watsonville, CA - Destination: O26, Lone Pine, CA - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 62; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: front; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,000 total, 700 in this make and model, 1,000 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: variable at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 29.87 inHg - Observed at: KMAE, 19 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 20140624013379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140624013379A), Jun 24, 2014: Cessna 305A, Firebaugh, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot reported he was going to perform a precautionary landing due to increasing oil temperature. Pilot also reported there were no other engine indications… ## Other investigations on N5264G (2) 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. - [NTSB SEA80FYP06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA80FYP06), Dec 9, 1979: Cessna 305A (N5264G), Sandpoint, ID, substantial damage - [NTSB NYC76FNC46](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC76FNC46), Apr 16, 1976: Cessna 305A (N5264G), Warren, VT, substantial damage ## Docket (1 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 9, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89537. 2.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40416230&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-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.