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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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June 1, 1991 · Cessna 172RG · N9663B

Point Magu, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 1, 1991
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Point Magu, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172RG
Tail Number
N9663B
Operator
California Wings
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA233

A CESSNA 172RG CAUGHT FIRE IN FLIGHT AT ABOUT 5,000 FEET MSL. THE PILOT ACCOMPLISHED AN EMERGENCY LANDING. SMOKE AND FUMES WERE NOTED BEING EMITTED IN THE VICINITY OF THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT RUDDER PEDALS WHILE IN FLIGHT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER EIGHTEEN INCH FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE AREA OF THE RUDDER PEDALS. THE PILOT DIVERTED TO THE CLOSEST AIRPORT AND ACCOMPLISHED AN EMERGENCY LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THE PLASTIC TUBING OF THE PITOT STATIC HAD IGNITED. THE SOURCE OF THE IGNITION WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF THE AIRPLANE STROBE LIGHT SYSTEM.

NTSB Probable Cause

A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE AIRPLANE'S STROBE LIGHT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH IGNITED THE PLASTIC TUBING OF THE PITOT STATIC SYSTEM CAUSING AN INFLIGHT FIRE AND SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

A CESSNA 172RG CAUGHT FIRE IN FLIGHT AT ABOUT 5,000 FEET MSL. THE PILOT ACCOMPLISHED AN EMERGENCY LANDING. SMOKE AND FUMES WERE NOTED BEING EMITTED IN THE VICINITY OF THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT RUDDER PEDALS WHILE IN FLIGHT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER EIGHTEEN INCH FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE AREA OF THE RUDDER PEDALS. THE PILOT DIVERTED TO THE CLOSEST AIRPORT AND ACCOMPLISHED AN EMERGENCY LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THE PLASTIC TUBING OF THE PITOT STATIC HAD IGNITED. THE SOURCE OF THE IGNITION WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF THE AIRPLANE STROBE LIGHT SYSTEM.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:52 PDT
Nearest AirportPoint Magu Nas (0nm N)
Runway3
Runway Length11000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172RG
Tail NumberN9663B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCalifornia Wings
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-F1A6 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time02:52
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data