Cessna L19-A N5264G

Summary

On 25 June 2014 at about 03:15 local time, a Cessna L19-A registered N5264G, operated by Halpin Timothy R, was involved in an accident near Firebaugh, California, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

25 June 2014 at 03:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Firebaugh, California, United States

Coordinates

36.7042, -120.8575

Aircraft

Cessna L19-A

Registration

N5264G

Category

Airplane

Year built

1950

Engines

1

Operator

Halpin Timothy R

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Watsonville → Lone Pine

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

WPR14CA268

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions in the landing area, which resulted in a loss of directional control and encounter with soft terrain and vegetation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, he noticed that the engine temperature had risen above the normal operating range, and he felt that the engine was developing less power. He elected to make a precautionary landing on a flat grassy area. The crosswind was stronger and gustier than he expected and the airplane encountered a gust at touchdown, which placed the airplane off center of the touchdown point. He added power to go-around, however, he was unable to establish a climb as the airplane became unstable in the sand and bushes. The airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings. Other than the elevated engine temperature, the pilot noted no other mechanical malfunctions or failures with the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.