# NTSB LAX85FA293: Rolladen-Schneider LS3-A, N31JN, Callahan, CA, June 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 24, 1985, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Callahan, CA
- Coordinates: 41.359386, -122.769889 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3594&lon=-122.7699&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Unknown](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/990) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24517
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA293
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24517/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA293

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, unknown
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PARTICIPATING IN A X-COUNTRY SOARING COMPETITION. HE RELEASED FROM THE TOW AT 5,000 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL. ABOUT ONE HOUR LATER HE IMFORMED HIS CREW BY RADIO THAT HE HAD COVERED 80 PERCENT OF THE FIRST LEG AND THAT HE WAS 'DOING FINE.' THE FLT DID NOT RETURN AND THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND THE FOLLOWING MORNING 35 MILES SOUTH OF THE DEPARTURE POINT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A PRE-IMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE SAIL-PLANE. THE PLT WAS CERTIFICATED AND QUALIFIED FOR THE FLT. OTHER CONTESTANTS REPORTED THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR WITH STRONG, GUSTY SURFACE WINDS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31JN](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31JN-1988-08-09), registration cancelled 1988-08-09, S/N 3353 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rolladen-Schneider LS3-A
- Registry model: [Rolladen-Schneider OHG LS3-A](https://openairdocs.org/model/rolladen-schneider-ohg-ls3-a) (registry code 3801214) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 3353
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Larry Ferguson
- Registered owner: Michael J. Mulcahy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 17, 1985
- Departed: SIY, MONTAGUE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; medical: class 3, expired; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 215 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 10 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFR, 65 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 19850624027849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850624027849A), Jun 24, 1985: Rolsch LS3A, Callahan, CA, Destroyed. Impacted hilly terrain during a sailplane cross country contest when unable to find more lift.

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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