# NTSB ANC86LA119: Lake LA-4, N6169V, Kotzebue, AK, August 1, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1986, 15:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Kotzebue, AK
- Coordinates: 67.239295, -161.189819 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=67.2393&lon=-161.1898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4708
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA119
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4708/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA119

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, climb - to cruise
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - exceeded (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE CLIMBOUT OVER THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE, THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN TO LOSE ALTITUDE EVENTUALLY CONTACTING THE EDGE OF THE RIDGE. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY RAIN WAS REPORTED IN THE AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6169V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6169V-2013-04-26), registration cancelled 2013-04-26, S/N 822, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LAKE LA-4
- Registry model: [Consolidated Aeronautics LAKE LA-4-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/consolidated-aeronautics-lake-la-4-200) (registry code 2400108) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 822
- Airframe hours: 1153
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William C. Latham
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 4, 1986, 59 hours before
- Departed: OTZ, KOTZEBUE, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 7,530 total, 630 in this make and model, 630 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,800 ft broken
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860801037019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860801037019A), Aug 1, 1986: Conaer LA4200, Kotzebue, AK, Substantial damage. Entered a severe downdraft on lee of a ridge. Aircraft landing gear hit ridge top. Pilot elected to land on tundra.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

---
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.