# NTSB DEN90FA059: Siai-Marchetti SF260C, N24FD, Agoura, CA, February 22, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 21, 1990, 17:16 local (Feb 22, 1990, 01:16 UTC)
- Place: Agoura, CA
- Coordinates: 34.120616, -118.759757 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1206&lon=-118.7598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 2, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17820
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN90FA059
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17820/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA059

## Probable cause

LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING ACROBATIC FLIGHT AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RECOVER FROM A SPIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent

## Analysis

THE PILOT, WITH A PASSENGER ABOARD, WAS DOING ACROBATIC MANEUVERS IN AN AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATED FOR ACROBATIC FLYING. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED IN A LEFT-HAND SPIN UNTIL GROUND IMPACT. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREACCIDENT MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N24FD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N24FD-2013-06-04), registration cancelled 2013-06-04, S/N 299, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SIAI-MARCHETTI SF260C
- Registry model: [Siai-Marchetti SF260](https://openairdocs.org/model/siai-marchetti-sf260) (registry code 8121208) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 299
- Airframe hours: 700
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Steven A. Shoop
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Utility
- Departed: SMO, SANTA MONICA, CA
- Destination: SMO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 762 total, 574 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY, 12 nm away

## 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 19900221002519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900221002519A), Feb 21, 1990: Mrchti SF260, Agoura, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. During acrobatic maneuvers entered a spin and failed to recover.

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.

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