# NTSB LAX83FU007: Ultralight Engineering Astra HS, Bakersfield, CA, May 30, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1983, 13:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Bakersfield, CA
- Location: 35.3733° N, 119.0187° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Bakersfield, CA, within about 7 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3733&lon=-119.0187&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23527
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FU007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23527/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FU007

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ON A FAMILIARIZATION FLT IN PREPARATION TO FLY THE ULTRALIGHT VEHICLE ON A X-COUNTRY TO EVALUATE IT FOR A MAGAZINE ARTICLE. THE ENG QUIT ON THE 1ST FLT & A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING WAS MADE. REPORTEDLY, THE VEHICLE REQUIRED ONLY MINOR REPAIRS & A TEST FLT BY A COMPANY PLT WAS DECLINED BY THE PLT PRIOR TO HIS 2ND & LAST FLT. AFTER THE 2ND TAKEOFF, THE VEHICLE WAS OBSERVED TO CLIMB IN A RIGHT TRAFFIC PATTERN. ON DOWNWIND AT APRX 500 FT AGL, THE VEHICLE NOSEDOVER INTO ABOUT A 20 DEG DIVE. IT THEN ACCELERATED & POWER WAS MAINTAINED WELL INTO THE DIVE, EVEN AFTER IF APPROACHED 40 DEG. THE VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO A SLOW LEFT BANK & IMPACTED. THE POWER WAS REDUCED BEFORE IMPACT. THE AIRSPEED WAS ESTIMATED WELL ABOVE THE 'NEVER EXCEED' SPEED. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT STRUCTURAL ORCONTROL FAILURE. REPORTEDLY, THE VEHICLE WAS SOMEWHAT NOSE HEAVY, BUT NO WT & BALANCE DATA WAS AVAILABLE. ALSO IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE PLT WORE CONTACT LENSES & PREVIOUSLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH HIS GOGGLES COMING OFF & LANDING IN HIS LAP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: ULTRALIGHT ENGINEERING ASTRA HS
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Engines: ROTAX 337 37 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 103
- Registered owner: Ultralight Engineering Inc.
- Airport: 4L8, Costerisan, runway 36, 2,200 × 40 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

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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