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NTSB Report
January 27, 1990 · Cessna 172 · N12528
Inyokern, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 27, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Inyokern, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N12528
Operator
Inyokern Aero
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA078
THE FLT WAS ENGAGED IN A BALLOON POPPING CONTEST. AN APCH WAS MADE TO THE CONTEST AREA AT ABOUT 200' AGL, WITH SLOW AIRSPEED & THE FLAPS EXTENDED. THE PLT-IN-COMMAND (PIC) SAW A BALLOON TO HIS LEFT & MANEUVERED TO CHASE THE BALLOON. WHILE MANEUVERING, THE ACFT BEGAN TO SETTLE & THE PIC WAS UNABLE TO ARREST THE DESCENT BEFORE GROUND CONTACT.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND (PIC), AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH.
Full Narrative
THE FLT WAS ENGAGED IN A BALLOON POPPING CONTEST. AN APCH WAS MADE TO THE CONTEST AREA AT ABOUT 200' AGL, WITH SLOW AIRSPEED & THE FLAPS EXTENDED. THE PLT-IN-COMMAND (PIC) SAW A BALLOON TO HIS LEFT & MANEUVERED TO CHASE THE BALLOON. WHILE MANEUVERING, THE ACFT BEGAN TO SETTLE & THE PIC WAS UNABLE TO ARREST THE DESCENT BEFORE GROUND CONTACT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:10 PST
Nearest AirportINYOKERN (0nm N)
Runway33
Runway Length7344 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN12528
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorInyokern Aero
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 5 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 18 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO