# NTSB WPR25LA086: Cessna 172P, N5268K, Ramona, CA, February 2, 2025 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report - Date: February 2, 2025, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC) - Place: Ramona, CA - Coordinates: 33.039452, -116.91526 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0395&lon=-116.9153&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern downwind: Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 199642 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR25LA086 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/199642/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=199642 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA086 ## Probable cause An in-flight collision with a bird in the airport traffic pattern. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Object/animal/substance: animal(s)/bird(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on equipment (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045/cases.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 358 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022045/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern downwind: Birdstrike](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172P, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901/sequence.md?model=2072436), [All aircraft, 253 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/901/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that while during a crosswind turn in the airport traffic pattern, about 2,000 ft mean sea level, a bird struck the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5268K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5268K), registered now, S/N 17274038, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172P - Registry model: [Cessna 172P](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172p) (registry code 2072436) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17274038 - Year built: 1980 - Airframe hours: 6936.7 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-D2J 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 22, 2024 - Departed: L08, Borrego Springs, CA - Destination: Same as departure - Airport: RNM, Ramona Airport, runway 27, 5,001 × 150 ft, concrete - Equipment: Stall warning system, Electronic primary flight display, Electronic flight bag or handheld device ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 30; injuries: none; commercial, airline transport, military; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: powered-lift, airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review March 15, 2024; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,050 total, 51 in this make and model, 458 as pilot in command - Pilot; age 28; injuries: none; commercial, military; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, powered-lift; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review August 16, 2024; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 500 total, 34 in this make and model, 25 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 310° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.06 inHg - Observed at: KRNM - METAR: KRNM 022053Z 31005KT 10SM CLR 26/08 A3006 RMK AO2 SLP169 T02610078 58023 ## 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 20250202000639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20250202000639A), Feb 2, 2025: Cessna 172P, Ramona, CA, Substantial damage. Flight took off from kmyf for recreational flight to L08 at approximately 1115PST. After a few touch and go's at L08, the flight proceeded to krnm for a few… ## Other investigations on N5268K (1) 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 LAX02LA237](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA237), Jul 26, 2002: Cessna 172P (N5268K), Creston, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the dark night conditions. ## Docket (2 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 20, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=199642. 2.2 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 10 pages, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18293530&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120_1_Signed_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Photos (item 2, PDF, 2 pages, 267 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18293771&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20for%20WPR25LA086-Rel.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.