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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

March 12, 1989 · Cessna 182L · N42005

Watsonville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 12, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Watsonville, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 182L
Tail Number
N42005
Operator
Russell Frank E
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA123

WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A WIND SOCK POLE. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND IT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WAS NO REPORTED PREIMPACT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRPLANE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPERLY PLANNED APPROACH, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE WIND SOCK POLE. THE PROXIMITY OF THE WIND SOCK (ARPT FACILITY) WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A RELATED FACTOR.

Full Narrative

WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A WIND SOCK POLE. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND IT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WAS NO REPORTED PREIMPACT FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRPLANE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:45 PST
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182L
Tail NumberN42005
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRussell Frank E
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-R · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 82 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 5 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data