# NTSB LAX83LA078: Stinson 108-2, N9923K, Yucca Valley, CA, January 21, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 21, 1983, 11:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Yucca Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.15031, -116.409881 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1503&lon=-116.4099&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23603
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA078
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23603/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA078

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF FROM YUCCA VALLEY AIRPORT WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND IT SWERVED OFF THERUNWAY INTO A WASH WHERE IT FLIPPED OVER ONTO ITS BACK. THE PILOT SAID HE ENCOUNTERED A DUST DEVIL WHICH MADE THE AIRCRAFT UNCONTROLLABLE. THE WEATHER WAS VMC WITH TEMPERATURE IN THE 60'S AND THE WIND FROM THE EAST AT 3 TO 5 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9923K (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108-2
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-2823
- Airframe hours: 2868
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-165-B3 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Montia Thomas
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 31, 1982, 0 hours before
- Airport: L22, Yucca Valley, runway 6, 3,550 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 500 total, 130 in this make and model, 9 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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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