# NTSB LAX83FA240: Ryan PT-22/ST-3KR, N721R, Mesa, AZ, May 21, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 21, 1983, 16:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Mesa, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.380321, -111.870445 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3803&lon=-111.8704&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23451
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FA240
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23451/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA240

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT DEPARTED WITH ANOTHER RYAN PT-22 AS A FLT OF TWO, IN FORMATION. TWO RATED PLTS WERE ABOARD THE ACFT. AFTER BREAKING FORMATION, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO ENTER A SNAP ROLL AT APRX 2000 FT AGL. A WITNESS OBSERVED THE PLANE BEFORE IT CRASHED. HIS DESCRIBED OBSERVING A MANEUVER THAT ENDED IN A SPIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N721R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N721R), registered now, S/N 1840, built 1942 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RYAN PT-22/ST-3KR (PT-22/ST-3)
- Registry model: [Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR](https://openairdocs.org/model/ryan-aeronautical-st3kr) (registry code 7830502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Fairchild 6-440-C5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/fairchild-6-440-c5) (registry code 26008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1840
- Airframe hours: 1779
- Engines: KINNER R55 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James E. Orton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, February 10, 1983, 14 hours before
- Airport: P16, Mesa

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 6,900 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PHX, 14 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 19830521020359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830521020359A), May 21, 1983: Ryan PT22, Mesa, AZ, Destroyed. Failed to recover from a spin. Was last seen doing a snap roll.

## Other investigations on N721R (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 CEN12LA369](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA369), Jun 8, 2012: Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR (N721R), Norwalk, OH, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing in a crosswind.
- [NTSB LAX71DUJ73](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71DUJ73), Apr 4, 1971: Ryan ST-3KR (N721R), Scottsdale, AZ, 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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