On March 5, 1984, a Cessna 172M (registration N1485V) was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during a turn in the traffic pattern. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lost control while turning from base leg to final approach in the traffic pattern. The pilot attempted corrections but was unable to recover, resulting in a collision with the ground.
What happened
The aircraft entered a spiral descent and subsequently collided with the terrain. This loss of control occurred while the pilot was executing a turn from the base leg to the final approach leg within the airport traffic pattern.
During the event, the pilot reported attempting to correct the developing situation. Despite these efforts, the spiral continued unabated until impact. The pilot later claimed that the crash was caused by a prior ground collision; however, investigators found no evidence to support this assertion.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during a turn in the traffic pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Mar 1984 Cessna 172M accident near San Luis Obispo, CA?
An aircraft lost control while turning from base leg to final approach in the traffic pattern. The pilot attempted corrections but was unable to recover, resulting in a collision with the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Mar 1984 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N1485V, at San Luis Obispo, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft during a turn in the traffic pattern.
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