# NTSB LAX83FU014: Davis Homebuilt, Byron, CA, August 28, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1983, 19:57 local (Aug 28, 1983, 02:57 UTC)
- Place: Byron, CA
- Coordinates: 37.870365, -121.680183 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8704&lon=-121.6802&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23533
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FU014
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23533/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FU014

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

GROUND WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE ULTRALIGHT DEPARTED THE PRIVATE AIRSTRIP TO THE EAST. AFTER DEPARTURE THE PLT NEGOTIATED A 90 DEG LT TURN, FOLLOWED BY A 270 DEG RT TURN. AFTER THE 90/270 DEG TURN WAS COMPLETED, THE PLT NEGOTIATED A RT TRAFFIC PATTERN BUT DID NOT ATTEMPT TO LAND AND CONTINUED ON A WESTERELY HEADING. AFTER PASSING THE APPROACH END OF THE EAST RUNWAY, THE PLT MADE A RT TURN AND THE RT WING OF THE VEHICLE STRUCK TREE TOPS. THE VEHICLE PITCHED STRAIGHT DOWN, TURNED 180 DEG AND CRASHED IN TO A CREEK. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE FAILED TO REVEAL ANY PREEXISTING AIRFRAME OR ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS AND/OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: DAVIS HOMEBUILT
- Category: Ultralight, amateur-built
- Engines: CUYUNA UNKNOWN 35 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 103
- Registered owner: James Davis
- Airport: Byron

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: center; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 225° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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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