# NTSB LAX83LA232: Waco UPF7, N29962, Seal Beach, CA, May 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 15, 1983, 13:39 local (20:39 UTC)
- Place: Seal Beach, CA
- Coordinates: 33.750297, -118.06932 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7503&lon=-118.0693&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23713
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA232
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23713/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA232

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,cap - incorrect (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS LANDED ON A BEACH HIGHWAY AFTER THE ENGINE QUIT AT 800 FEET MSL. THE ACFT DAMAGE DURING THE LANDING WAS LIMITED TO A BROKEN LANDING STRUT, BENT PROPELLER BLADE AND FRACTURED FRONT AND REAR SPARS OF THE RIGHT WING. THE FLIGHTWAS A SCENIC EXCURSION BY THE PILOT WITH ONE PASSENGER. AFTER THE LANDING THE SIGHT GAUGES READ EMPTY FOR THE LEFT TANK AND LESS THAN ONE QUARTER FOR THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. THE FUEL CAPS WERE FOUND TO BE INSTALLED BACKWARDS WHICH WOULD CAUSE NEGATIVE PRESSURE ON THE TANKS. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS FLYING WITH THE FUEL TANK SELECTOR ON BOTH WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT.HE SAID HE TRIED ALL POSITIONS FOR RESTART WITH NO SUCCESS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N29962](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N29962), registered now, S/N 5459, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WACO UPF7
- Registry model: [Waco UPF-7](https://openairdocs.org/model/waco-upf-7) (registry code 9601302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5459
- Airframe hours: 5400
- Engines: CONTINENTAL W670-5A reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gregory Vusovich
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 18, 1982, 73 hours before
- Departed: HUNTINGTON BCH., GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,590 total, 200 in this make and model, 2,375 as pilot in command, 70 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19830515019089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830515019089A), May 15, 1983: Waco UPF7, Seal Beach, CA, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing after engine quit. Fuel caps were installed backwards.

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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