# NTSB LAX82FVG23: Boeing A75N1, N68820, Pleasant Grove, CA, May 8, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1982, 08:50 local (15:50 UTC)
- Place: Pleasant Grove, CA
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 uninjured; on the ground: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 8, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72256
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FVG23
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72256/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FVG23

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE LANDED TOWARD THE NORTH WITH THE WIND FROM THE NORTHEAST AT 8 TO 10 KNOTS. WHEN THE TAILWHEEL TOUCHED DOWN, THE AIRCRAFT VEERED RIGHT. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE COULD NOT STOP THE TURN. HE OPENED THE THROTTLE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ESTABLISH DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. HOWEVER, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A FARM TRACTOR AND PICKUP TRUCK BESIDE THE STRIP, FATALLY INJURING THE TRACTOR OPERATOR. AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED NO PRECRASH MALFUNCTIONS. APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES AWAY, THE WIND WAS REPORTED FROM 080 DEGREES AT 6 KNOTS (PER SMF SA 1445 WEATHER REPORT). THREE WITNESSES REPORTED THE WIND FROM THE SOUTHEAST AT 7 KNOTS, EAST AT 4 KNOTS, AND NORTHEAST AT 3 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N68820](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N68820), registered now, S/N 75-5350, built 1944 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING A75N1
- Registry model: [Boeing A75N1(PT17)](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-a75n1-pt17) (registry code 1380134) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming R680](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-r680) (registry code 41540, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-5350
- Airframe hours: 8782
- Engines: P & W R-985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Farm Air Fly Sv, Inc.
- Registered owner: Farm Air Fly Sv, Inc.
- Departed: PLEASANT GROVE, CA
- Destination: PLEASANT GROVE, CA
- Airport: Catlett Ag Strip, runway 36, 2,500 × 0 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,775 total, 25 in this make and model, 95 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 127 °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 19820508014339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820508014339A), May 8, 1982: Boeing A75N1, Pleasant Grove, CA, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Lost directional control on landing. Tried power to recover, ran off strip into a tractor, fatally injured driver.

## Other investigations on N68820 (2)

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 LAX03LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA062), Jan 9, 2003: Boeing Stearman PT-17 (N68820), Jean, NV, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot of the other airplane's use of an improper starting procedure and his failure to obtain appropriate assistance.
- [NTSB OAK71DVG40](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK71DVG40), Nov 20, 1970: Boeing A75N1 (N68820), Sacramento, CA, 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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