# NTSB LAX82FUG09: Fournier RF4D, N7719, Rialto, CA, March 27, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: March 27, 1982, 13:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Rialto, CA
- Location: 34.1174° N, 117.3892° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Rialto, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1174&lon=-117.3892&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 27, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72377
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FUG09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72377/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FUG09

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - downhill (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, HE WAS SOARING HIS "MOTOR-GLIDER" IN UPDRAFTS OF "THERMAL, SLOPE-WIND, AND WAVE" ORIGIN. HE REPORTED THAT THERMALS AND A WEAK SOUTHWEST WIND WERE PRODUCING LIFT ALONG RIDGES WITH WALLS THAT WERE FACING WEST, SOUTHWEST, AND SOUTH. REPORTEDLY, HE WAS FLYING IN THESE AREAS, IN AND OUT OF CANYONS, WITH THE ENGINE OPERATING AT A FAST IDLE TO REDUCE DRAG. WHILE FLYING WESTWARD, HE ENCOUNTERED AN AREA OF LIFT WHERE HE MANEUVERED AND CLIMBED FROM 2900 TO 3100 FT. FROM THERE, HE STARTED TO FOLLOW A WEST FACING WALL OF A NORTH CONNECTING RIDGE WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED A SUDDEN, VERY STRONG, DOWNDRAFT. HE APPLIED FULL THROTTLE AND TURNED LEFT TO FOLLOW A CANYON THAT DROPPED AWAY TO THE WEST, BUT THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A ROCKY OUTCROPPING AT AN ELEVATION OF APPROXIMATELY 3000 FT MSL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7719](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7719-2017-02-04), registration cancelled 2017-02-04, S/N 4049, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Fournier Aviation RF4D
- Registry model: [Sportavia-Putzer FOURNIER R.F.4.D](https://openairdocs.org/model/sportavia-putzer-fournier-r-f-4-d) (registry code 8451012) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Rectimo 4AR 1200](https://openairdocs.org/engine/rectimo-4ar-1200) (registry code 52314, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider, amateur-built
- Serial number: 4049
- Airframe hours: 1744
- Engines: RECTIMO 4AR 40 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John Robinson
- Registered owner: John Robinson
- Departed: RIALTO, CA
- Destination: RIALTO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 3,550 total, 636 in this make and model, 3,443 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 8 knots

## 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 19820327006109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820327006109A), Mar 27, 1982: Sptpuz RF4D, Rialto, CA, Substantial damage. Trying for lift near ridge line. Encountered strong downdraft, struck rocky out cropping, with engine full power.

## Other investigations on N7719 (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC72FFA19](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC72FFA19), Oct 8, 1971: Fournier RF4-D (N7719), Ballston Spa, NY, substantial damage

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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