Casualties unknown

Overloaded Airplane Lands Long, Strikes Fence and Dirt Bank During Go-Around Attempt (N738UZ)

Anza, CA, US

On March 31, 1985, a Cessna 172N (registration N738UZ) operated by Modern Aero OF California was involved in an aviation accident near Anza, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After two previous takeoffs and one landing in an overloaded airplane, the pilot landed approximately 1000 feet down a 3200-foot runway. Unable to decelerate quickly, he attempted a go-around toward rising terrain but the airplane failed to outclimb it. The pilot initiated an off-airport landing, impacting a fence and dirt bank before nosing over.

Incident Summary

A pilot operating an overloaded airplane made two previous takeoffs and one landing before the accident flight. On the final landing, the airplane touched down approximately 1000 feet down a 3200-foot runway. When the aircraft failed to decelerate quickly enough, the pilot attempted a go-around. The go-around was directed toward rising terrain, but the aircraft could not outclimb the terrain. The pilot then initiated an off-airport landing. During this landing, the aircraft impacted a fence and a dirt bank, then nosed over onto its back.

Circumstances

According to the official investigation source, the airplane was overloaded during the previous takeoffs and landing as well as the accident flight. The density altitude at the accident site at the time of the occurrence was 3400 feet MSL. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, operator, occupants, injuries, or damage were provided in the source. The source did not state a probable cause for the accident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Mar 1985 Cessna 172N accident near Anza, CA?

After two previous takeoffs and one landing in an overloaded airplane, the pilot landed approximately 1000 feet down a 3200-foot runway. Unable to decelerate quickly, he attempted a go-around toward rising terrain but the airplane failed to outclimb it. The pilot initiated an off-airport landing, impacting a fence…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Mar 1985 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N738UZ, operated by Modern Aero OF California, at Anza, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35947. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.