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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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February 18, 1986 · Cessna 172M · N9253H

Carlsbad, CA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 18, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Carlsbad, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N9253H
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86FA120

AFTER FAILING TO SEE THE RUNWAY ON HIS FIRST ILS APPROACH IN WEATHER REPORTED AT IFR MINIMUMS FOR LANDING, THE PILOT WAS RADAR VECTORED FOR A SECOND APPROACH. ACCORDING TO CONTROLLERS THE APPROACH APPEARED TO BE NORMAL UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT'S RADAR TARGET DISAPPEARED OFF THE SCOPE APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM THE RUNWAY. GROUND RESCUE FOUND THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A FOG SHROUDED RIDGE, IN THE VICINITY OF WHERE IT DISAPPEARED FROM RADAR.

Full Narrative

AFTER FAILING TO SEE THE RUNWAY ON HIS FIRST ILS APPROACH IN WEATHER REPORTED AT IFR MINIMUMS FOR LANDING, THE PILOT WAS RADAR VECTORED FOR A SECOND APPROACH. ACCORDING TO CONTROLLERS THE APPROACH APPEARED TO BE NORMAL UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT'S RADAR TARGET DISAPPEARED OFF THE SCOPE APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM THE RUNWAY. GROUND RESCUE FOUND THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A FOG SHROUDED RIDGE, IN THE VICINITY OF WHERE IT DISAPPEARED FROM RADAR.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:03 PST
Nearest AirportMcclellan-Palomar (2nm ENE)
Runway24
Runway Length4700 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN9253H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility5 sm
Ceiling200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time02:46
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data