# NTSB LAX82FA329: Champion 7EC, N141A, Near Isleton, CA, September 2, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 2, 1982, 14:33 local (21:33 UTC)
- Place: Near Isleton, CA
- Coordinates: 38.160705, -121.589958 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1607&lon=-121.5900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 2, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71874
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FA329
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71874/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA329

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - qualification, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE ON A LOCAL FLIGHT TO FLY TO THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER DELTA TO OBSERVE AND PHOTOGRAPH A BREAK IN THE RIVER'S LEVEL, AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER'S BOAT. A CONSENSUS OF THE WITNESSES WAS THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS CIRCLING THE AREA WHEN IT STRUCK UNMARKED POWER LINES THAT TRAVERSED THE RIVER. AFTER IMPACT, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE WATER AND SANK. LATER, THE AIRCRAFT WAS RECOVERED. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINE DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF PREEXISTING MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE THAT WOULD HAVE AFFECTED THE PLANE'S PERFORMANCE. THE PILOT DID NOT POSSESS A CURRENT MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N141A (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7EC
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7EC-420
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Larry Heinrich & Jack Scanlon
- Registered owner: Richard L. Andrews/Larry E. He
- Departed: MOD, MODESTO, CA
- Destination: MOD, MODESTO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, invalid medical for flight

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 203 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SCK, 23 nm away

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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