# NTSB investigations, 1998, CA

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 5 · 212 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB LAX99LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA063.md): Richard Young Harmon Rocket II · Esparto, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 1998 · N288M · Destroyed
  > The owner's inadequate condition (annual) inspection, which failed to detect a loose fuel pump output line attachment fitting, which resulted in an in-flight fire. A factor in the hard landing and ground loop was the pilot's inability to see through the smoke…
- [NTSB LAX99LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA062.md): Beech C23 · Furnace Creek, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 31, 1998 · N2313L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection when he failed to remove the gust lock from the flight controls.
- [NTSB LAX99LA061](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA061.md): Ercoupe 415-C · San Ysabel, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 30, 1998 · N99371 · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue fracture of the crankshaft and the resulting separation of the propeller.
- [NTSB LAX99LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA060.md): Aegerter, Simon Velocity 173E-RG · San Diego, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 1998 · N466MF · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate modification to the control systems, which resulted in a restricted elevator control.
- [NTSB LAX99LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA069.md): Cessna 182G · San Andreas, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 27, 1998 · N3787U · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > The other pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout while taxiing in a confined area between rows of parked aircraft.
- [NTSB LAX99LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA068.md): Piper PA-28 · Thermal, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 25, 1998 · N7776W · Destroyed
  > The occurrence of an in-flight incapacitating heart rhythm to the pilot. A factor was the pilot's ingestion of over-the-counter medications that made him more susceptible to an abnormal heart rhythm.
- [NTSB LAX99FA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA058.md): Cessna 150L · Yucaipa, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1998 · N11829 · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's failure to maintain control of the airplane.
- [NTSB LAX99FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA057.md): Bell UH-1H · Quincy, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 23, 1998 · N4590 · Destroyed
  > An inaccurate exhaust gas temperature gauge, that allowed the engine to be run over-temperature unknowingly by the pilot, which resulted in the subsequent failure of the turbine sections. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain rotor RPM during the…
- [NTSB LAX99FA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA053.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Santa Clarita, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 1998 · N6272J · Destroyed
  > the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft. Factors were the night weather conditions and the lack of total and recent instrument flight time.
- [NTSB LAX99LA055](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA055.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Big Bear, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 1998 · N5413S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudged landing flare, which lead to an inadvertent stall/mush 10 feet above the ground.
- [NTSB LAX99LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA056.md): Weber CA-65 · Red Bluff, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1998 · N5656 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to remove the right seat belt from around the right control stick, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control. An additional cause is the pilot's failure to use a checklist.
- [NTSB LAX99FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA051.md): Learjet 55B · Los Angeles, CA · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 17, 1998 · N554CL · Substantial damage
  > the total loss of electrical power due to the flight crew's failure to complete the engine start checklist, or the electrical power failure checklist, which kept the generators off line and resulted in the complete discharged of both batteries. Also causal to…
- [NTSB LAX99LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA050.md): Boeing 737-300 · Sacramento, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 14, 1998 · N328AW · No damage
  > The failure of the second and third flight attendants to comply with instructions to remain seated in anticipation of turbulence.
- [NTSB LAX99LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA047.md): Bell 47G2 · Helendale, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 12, 1998 · N9021R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to follow proper procedures to recover from main rotor blade aerodynamic retreating blade stall.
- [NTSB LAX99LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA044.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Victorville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 1998 · N8086P · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation caused by the pilot's failure to select a tank containing fuel.
- [NTSB LAX99TA043](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99TA043.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Imperial, CA · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Dec 4, 1998 · N82325 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions while taxiing from landing.
- [NTSB LAX99LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA049.md): Bell 47G-3B-1 · Winterhaven, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 1998 · N3084G · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain rotor rpm. A factor was his attempt to take off over gross weight.
- [NTSB LAX99LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA045.md): Maule M-5-235C · Inyokern, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1998 · N5636M · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft while landing.
- [NTSB LAX99LA041](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA041.md): Boeing A75N1 · Vacaville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1998 · N59734 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing variable wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control.
- [NTSB LAX99LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA040.md): Grumman-Schweizer G-164C · Oroville, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1998 · N6596K · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to attempt readjustment of the rudder pedal in-flight.
- [NTSB LAX99LA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA054.md): Williams Hurrican HP · Corona, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 1998 · N323DW · Substantial damage
  > The seizure of the engine due to a cylinder/piston overheat condition for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX99LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA042.md): Martin Stoddard Hamilton II · Georgetown, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 1998 · N658PM · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare. Also causal was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
- [NTSB LAX99FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA038.md): Cessna T210L · Oakland, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 21, 1998 · N9222T · Destroyed
  > The pilot-in-command's inadequate fuel management which led to fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude and his ostentatious display.
- [NTSB LAX99LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA037.md): Piper PA-30B · Camarillo, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 20, 1998 · N7933Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
- [NTSB LAX99LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA035.md): Mooney M20F · Upland, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1998 · N3500X · Destroyed
  > Loss of engine power due to water contaminated fuel and the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane. A factor was the failure of the owner/pilot to properly maintain the airplane.
- [NTSB LAX99LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA034.md): Cessna 152 · Orinda, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 19, 1998 · N48201 · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel. A factor was the pilot's inadequate preflight, during which he neglected to note the contamination, and the dark night which made it difficult to select a landing spot.
- [NTSB LAX99LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA033.md): Old Hen Crow G1 · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 16, 1998 · N6349T · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient airspeed, which resulted in the aircraft entering a stall/mush flight condition that continued to impact. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the type of aircraft.
- [NTSB LAX99LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA031.md): Cessna 172N · Lancaster, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 1998 · N733AM · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the aircraft.
- [NTSB LAX99LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA032.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Santa Barbara, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 10, 1998 · N8258S · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and failure to maintain proper runway alignment during landing flare.
- [NTSB LAX99FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA028.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Bishop, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 1998 · N2737R · Destroyed
  > The failure of the pilot-in-command, after encountering a downdraft, to maneuver and maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. Physical impairment due to hypoxia was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB LAX99LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA025.md): de Havilland Tiger Moth DH 82A · Petaluma, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 5, 1998 · N838KC · 2 aircraft · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the pilot in the Tiger Moth to see and avoid traffic. A contributing factor was the delayed reaction of the student pilot in the Cessna to initiate a turnoff of the taxiway once it became apparent that the other airplane did not see him.
- [NTSB LAX99LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA024.md): Cessna T210L · Lodi, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 1998 · N29058 · Destroyed
  > Fuel exhaustion due to a leaking engine driven fuel pump nose seal, which increased the engine fuel consumption rate above the published performance chart values.
- [NTSB LAX99LA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA023.md): Piper PA-46-350P · Mammoth, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 4, 1998 · N50JG · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to ensure that the autopilot was off prior to takeoff, and, his failure to maintain pitch control during the resultant pitch trim excursion during the takeoff ground roll.
- [NTSB LAX99LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA019.md): Cessna 182Q · Fresno, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 1998 · N5352N · No damage
  > The pilot's decision to allow unescorted passengers to approach the aircraft with the engine running, and, the passenger's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller. A factor in the accident was the low ambient lighting conditions, which would have made…
- [NTSB LAX99LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA015.md): Beech 36 · Palmdale, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 1998 · N36EL · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper management of his fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation. Factors in the accident were the inadequate annual inspection which resulted in fuel siphoning, and a high reading fuel gage.
- [NTSB LAX99LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA017.md): Cessna 152 · Palo Alto, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 18, 1998 · N5550L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the airplane's wing and a parked fuel truck.
- [NTSB LAX99LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA011.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Shelter Cove, CA · Accident · 3 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 17, 1998 · N6870F · Destroyed
  > The pilot's excessive airspeed, failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and the delayed decision to initiate a go-around.
- [NTSB LAX99LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA012.md): Piper PA-32R-301T · Apple Valley, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 1998 · N4316L · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadvertent use of the aircraft's brakes while using the rudder pedals to maintain directional alignment during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB LAX99LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA008.md): Stearman E75 · Oakland, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 11, 1998 · N770WM · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to the pilot's inadvertent entry into a negative 'g' condition, which induced a temporary interruption of the fuel supply.
- [NTSB LAX99LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA007.md): Cessna 190 · Lost Hills, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1998 · N1087D · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fatigue failure of the number 4 cylinder articulating rod.
- [NTSB LAX99GA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99GA005.md): Grumman TS-2A · Banning, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Oct 5, 1998 · N416DF · Destroyed
  > The pilot misjudged his maneuvering altitude. Factors to this accident were the mountainous terrain, tailwind conditions, and turbulence in the area.
- [NTSB LAX99FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA006.md): Robinson R-22 · Lowerlake, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 5, 1998 · N801EH · Destroyed
  > The flight instructor's failure to adequately supervise the conduct of the flight and the failure of the flying pilot to ensure that adequate ground clearance existed between the stinger/tail rotor and the ground during a deceleration while the aircraft was…
- [NTSB LAX99LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA004.md): Burson Revolution Mini 500 · Moorpark, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1998 · N418MB · Destroyed
  > The improper use of the cyclic flight control by the pilot, which resulted in low g flight load condition, which resulted in rotor disk divergence (mast bumping), and the main rotor blade striking and severing the tail boom.
- [NTSB LAX99LA002](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA002.md): Cessna 152 · San Jose, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 2, 1998 · N957AF · Destroyed
  > Continued VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at night over mountainous terrain. The pilot's use of unclear language when stating his intentions to air traffic control was a factor.
- [NTSB LAX99FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA001.md): Aero Commander 680 FPL · Palm Springs, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 1998 · N5YZ · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to properly use the manual turbocharger wastegates and to monitor the manifold pressure during takeoff.
- [NTSB LAX98FA312](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98FA312.md): Cessna 152 · Avalon, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 1998 · N49770 · Destroyed
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance. Contributing to the accident were the hilly and mountainous terrain and glare from the setting sun.
- [NTSB LAX98LA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA311.md): Robinson R22B · Salinas, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1998 · N8340D · Destroyed
  > The failure of the student pilot to maintain control of the aircraft while practicing autorotations.
- [NTSB LAX98LA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA309.md): Texas Helicopter OH-13H · Gilroy, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1998 · N1001G · Destroyed
  > The pilot's loss of control for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB LAX98LA308](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA308.md): Rockwell Commander 114 · Atwater, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1998 · N114AL · Substantial damage
  > An internal capacitor failure and melting of the point cam followers, which resulted in failure of both magnetos, and subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB LAX98LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA307.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Merced, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 1998 · N9085J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper flare and his failure to adequately compensate for the existing crosswind conditions and maintain airplane control during landing.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=1998&state=CA&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE year(c."eventDate") = 1998
  AND c."eventStateOrRegion" = 'CA' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?state=CA&year=1998

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OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.
