Casualties unknown

1986-11-17: Cessna 120 (N4085N) — Glenn W. Smith — Columbia, CA

Columbia, CA, US

On November 17, 1986, a Cessna 120 (registration N4085N) operated by Glenn W. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a local pleasure flight, the pilot lost control of the aircraft while practicing high-speed taxiing for directional control. After reaching liftoff speed, power was reduced to idle; the aircraft swerved, and control inputs led to a left wing strike and nose-down attitude.

Incident Overview

At the beginning of a local pleasure flight, the pilot engaged in practicing high-speed taxiing to improve directional control for takeoffs and landings. The aircraft accelerated to liftoff speed, at which point the pilot reduced the power to idle. Immediately afterward, the aircraft swerved to the left. In response, the pilot applied right rudder. The aircraft then swerved to the right, prompting the pilot to apply full left rudder and forward stick.

Subsequent Events

Following these control inputs, the left wing struck the ground, and the aircraft nosed down. The source does not specify any further details regarding the outcome, such as injuries, damage, or the aircraft's final state.

Sequence of Actions

The pilot's actions included reducing power to idle after reaching liftoff speed, then applying right rudder when the aircraft swerved left, and subsequently applying full left rudder and forward stick when the aircraft swerved right. The contact between the left wing and the ground resulted in the aircraft nosing down. The source provides no additional information about the environment or conditions.

Conclusion

No analysis or causal factors are provided in the source. The incident is described solely as a loss of control during a practice maneuver.

Probable Cause

Not stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35197. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.