# NTSB LAX83LA413: Catto Acro X, N83AX, Jackson, CA, August 29, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 29, 1983, 10:01 local (17:01 UTC)
- Place: Jackson, CA
- Coordinates: 38.349845, -120.770027 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3498&lon=-120.7700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23838
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA413
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23838/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA413

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - unlocked (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - separation (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - aircraft performance - deteriorated (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF THE PLT MADE A TURN INTO THE DOWNWIND LEG. AT ABOUT 500 FT AGL WHILE THE PLT ROCKED THE WINGED TO FRIENDS ON THE GROUND, THE CANOPY BLEW OFF & BECAME LODGED IN THE RIGHT WING'S FLYING WIRES. THE ACFT BEGAN TO ROLL TO THE RIGHT& PITCH UPWARDS. THE MAIN RIGHT WING STALLED & THE ACFT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE PLT BAILED OUT & HIS CHUTE OPENED ABOUT 300 FT AGL. THE PLT LATER STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CANOPY LATCH WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED PRIOR THE TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83AX](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N83AX-1984-01-21), registration cancelled 1984-01-21, S/N AX1 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CATTO ACRO X
- Registry model: [Catto Craig C CATTO ACRO X](https://openairdocs.org/model/catto-craig-c-catto-acro-x) (registry code 056133R) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: AX1
- Airframe hours: 15
- Engines: ROTAX 503 45 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Craig Catto
- Last inspection: Annual, July 15, 1983, 15 hours before
- Airport: 070, Westover Field, runway 1

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 415 total, 15 in this make and model, 374 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19830829044909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830829044909A), Aug 29, 1983: Amtr ACROX, Jackson, CA, Destroyed. Canopy blew off on climbout, lodged in wing flying wires. Lost control, pilot bailed out. Canopy was not secured.

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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