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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

October 16, 1990 · Cessna 172 · N73403

San Carlos, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
San Carlos, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N73403
Operator
United Co-Op Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA010

THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN WASHED BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS GOING TO FLY THE AIRPLANE AROUND THE PATTERN TO DRY IT OFF SO THAT IT COULD BE WAXED. WHILE TAXIING TO THE RUN-UP AREA THE PILOT FAILED TO STAY ON THE TAXIWAY CENTER LINE. THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH THE WIND SOCK MAST.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S VISUAL LOOKOUT WAS INADEQUATE.

Full Narrative

THE AIRPLANE HAD BEEN WASHED BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS GOING TO FLY THE AIRPLANE AROUND THE PATTERN TO DRY IT OFF SO THAT IT COULD BE WAXED. WHILE TAXIING TO THE RUN-UP AREA THE PILOT FAILED TO STAY ON THE TAXIWAY CENTER LINE. THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH THE WIND SOCK MAST.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 PDT
Nearest AirportSan Carlos (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN73403
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorUnited Co-Op Flying Club
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 49 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data