# NTSB LAX84LA394: Experimental Amateur Built OWL Racer, N711BS, Oroville, CA, July 15, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1984, 12:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Oroville, CA
- Coordinates: 39.499244, -121.669151 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.4992&lon=-121.6692&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24341
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA394
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24341/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA394

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - separation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - throttle/power control - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - power on landing - intentional, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE EXPERIMENTAL/AMATEUR BUILT AIRCRAFT HAD JUST TURNED INBOUND FOR AN EXHIBITION RACE RUN WHEN IT EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATIONS AS THE PILOT APPLIED FULL POWER. HE HEADED FOR THE RUNWAY AND FOUND THAT HE COULD NOT CONTROL THE ENGINE WITH THE THROTTLE. HE WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE MAGNETO DUE TO THE AWKWARD LOCATION OF THE SWITCHES. THE PILOT TURNED AWAY FROM THE RUNWAY DUE TO THE CROWD OF SPECTATORS NEAR-BY. HE FORCED THE AIRCRAFT INTO THE GROUND. IT HIT, BOUNCED AND CARTWHEELED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE COMING TO REST INVERTED IN A STAND OF TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N711BS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N711BS-2014-11-13), registration cancelled 2014-11-13, S/N OR-70-1-1, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: EXPERIMENTAL AMATEUR BUILT OWL RACER
- Registry model: [Stevenson OWL RACER](https://openairdocs.org/model/stevenson-owl-racer) (registry code 0562154) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 29511-7-8
- Airframe hours: 145
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert E. Thomas
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 26, 1984, 3 hours before
- Departed: OVE, OROVILLE, CA
- Airport: OVE, Oroville, runway 1, 5,960 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial, private, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 4,500 total, 50 in this make and model, 4,400 as pilot in command, 275 in the last 90 days, 200 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 12,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MYV, 23 nm away

## 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 19840715032529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840715032529A), Jul 15, 1984: Amtrvd OWLRACER, Oroville, CA, Destroyed. Prop blade broke off. Vibration loosened engine from firewall. Landed on runway but veered off to avoid spectators.

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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