# NTSB LAX84LA229: Republic RC-3, N6470K, Lakeport, CA, March 22, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 22, 1984, 13:01 local (21:01 UTC)
- Place: Lakeport, CA
- Coordinates: 39.010379, -122.870201 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0104&lon=-122.8702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24209
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA229
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24209/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA229

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - ignition system,spark plug - contamination (cause)
  - engine assembly,cylinder - low compression (cause)
  - engine assembly,piston - worn (cause)
  - engine assembly,valve,intake - movement restricted (cause)
  - maintenance - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - fluid,fuel grade - improper (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT ON HIS PREFLIGHT HE FOUND THE ENG COMPRESSION & OIL LEVEL TO BE LOW BUT AFTER SERVICING THE OIL TO THE PROPER LEVEL HE DEPARTED & ON INITIAL CLIMB, AFTER REACHING ABOUT 100 FT AGL, THE ENG STARTED POPPING & LOSING RPM. THE PLT MADE A LEFT TURN TO AVOID OBSTACLES & LANDED IN A SMALL GRAPE VINEYARD. POST CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENG REVEALED LOW COMPRESSION & EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO WEAR. THE ACFT HAD BEEN OPERATED WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6470K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6470K-2013-02-13), registration cancelled 2013-02-13, S/N 721, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: REPUBLIC RC-3
- Registry model: [Republic RC-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/republic-rc-3) (registry code 3080202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A8 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a8-series) (registry code 27030, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: RC-3
- Airframe hours: 2324
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A8215B9F 215 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: Craig And Carol Wooster
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 2, 1983, 46 hours before
- Departed: 102, LAKEPORT, CA
- Destination: CLEAR LAKE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 8,000 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 8,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19840322007269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840322007269A), Mar 22, 1984: Stolam RC3, Lakeport, CA, Substantial damage. Departed with a known sick engine. Crash landed after power failure. Piston rings worn out. Auto fuel used no STC.

## Other investigations on N6470K (1)

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.

- [NTSB SEA80FYE31](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA80FYE31), Apr 18, 1980: Republic RC-3 (N6470K), Port Angeles, WA, substantial damage

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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