# NTSB LAX84FU031: Calypso N/A, Chula Vista, CA, August 23, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1984, 10:20 local (17:20 UTC)
- Place: Chula Vista, CA
- Coordinates: 33.099895, -117.290222 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0999&lon=-117.2902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24019
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FU031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24019/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FU031

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)
  - instructions,written/verbal - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

OPERATOR/COMPANY PERSONNEL HAD BEEN FLYING THE CALYPO ULTRALIGHT FOR ABOUT 2 HRS WHEN THE MARKETING DIRECTOR WAS APPROACHED BY A PLT WHO WANTED TO FLY THE VEHICLE. THEY NOTED THAT THE PLT HAD BEEN TEACHING STUDENTS IN AN EIPPER ULTRALIGHT. COMPANY PERSONNEL AGREED TO LET HIM FLY THE TRAFFIC PATTERN ON THE CONDITION THAT HE WOULD PRACTICE 3 CROW HOPS 1ST. THE PLT STARTED THE CALYPSO, BUT TOOK OFF WITHOUT PRACTICING CROW HOPS. HE MADE 2 PASSES TO THE RWY. ON THE 3RD X-WIND TO DOWNWIND TURN AT ABOUT 200 FT AGL, HE COMMENCED A 360-DEGREE TURN, THEN WENT INTO A SPIN & CRASHED.ACCORDING TO A WITNESS, THE PLT APPLIED FULL LEFT STICK & FULL RIGHT RUDDER WHILE PERSONNEL ON THE GROUND WERE YELLING FOR HIM TO KICK IN LEFT RUDDER. THE WINTESS NOTED THAT THE PLT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN FLYING A 2 AXIS CONTROLLED ULTRALIGHT (EIPPER), BUT THE CALYPSO WAS A 3-AXIS CONTROLLED VEHICLE. HE THOUGHT THE PLT GOT HIS HAND & FOOT CONTROLS MIXED UP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CALYPSO N/A
- Category: Ultralight
- Serial number: 1
- Airframe hours: 60
- Engines: CUYUNA U1 11-02 35 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 103
- Registered owner: Leach Acft
- Airport: Nickols Field, runway 27, 1,300 × 100 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 235 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 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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