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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 9, 1995 · Cessna 172 · N4203L

Ocotillo Wells, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 9, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Ocotillo Wells, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N4203L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX96LA069

The pilot said that his landing approach was low, and that the aircraft's nosewheel struck a 2-foot-high flood control berm short of the runway and separated from the aircraft. The aircraft then landed on the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted, 150 feet east of the berm. There were no mechanical problems.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure of the pilot to maintain a proper glide path on final approach.

Full Narrative

On December 8, 1995, at 1645 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172, N4203L, nosed over during landing at the Ocotillo airport, Ocotillo Wells, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The aircraft was substantially damaged; however, the pilot and two passengers were uninjured. The flight departed from Gillespie Field at San Diego, California, at 1610. In his written and oral statements, the pilot said that his landing approach to runway 9 was low, and that the aircraft's nosewheel struck a 2-foot-high flood control berm short of the runway and separated from the aircraft. The aircraft then landed on the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted, 150 feet east of the berm. He reported no mechanical problems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 PST
Nearest AirportOCOTILLO (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length2475 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN4203L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility35 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 37 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data