# NTSB LAX84FA221: Taylorcraft BC12D-85, N5603M, Edwards Afb, CA, February 15, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 15, 1984, 14:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Edwards Afb, CA
- Coordinates: 34.959758, -117.870338 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9598&lon=-117.8703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23944
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA221
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23944/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA221

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AND ROLLED INVERTED IN THE DESERT NEAR EDWARDS AFB. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE GAVE NO EVIDENCE OF A FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF EQUIPMENT. THE CORONER REPORTED THAT THE PLT DIED OF A GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE HEAD BEFORE THE ACFT CRASHED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, cruise - normal
  - suicide - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - interpersonal relations, pilot in command (cause)
  - emotional reaction, pilot in command (cause)
  - incapacitation(other organic problem), pilot in command (cause)
  - incapacitation(loss of consciousness), pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5603M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5603M-1985-05-13), registration cancelled 1985-05-13, S/N 12002 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: TAYLORCRAFT BC12D-85
- Registry model: [Taylorcraft BC12D-85](https://openairdocs.org/model/taylorcraft-bc12d-85) (registry code 8850322) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12002
- Airframe hours: 697
- Engines: Continental C85 SERIES 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: J.H. Chrisney
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 2, 1984, 14 hours before
- Departed: WHP, PACOIMA, CA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 678 total, 14 in this make and model, 500 as pilot in command, 38 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 15 knots, gusting 21
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EDW, 10 nm away

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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