# NTSB LAX85LVM04: Larry Robbins Bakeng Duce, N3957D, Gilroy, CA, July 14, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 13, 1985, 18:15 local (Jul 14, 1985, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: Gilroy, CA
- Coordinates: 37.060218, -121.550682 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0602&lon=-121.5507&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24858
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LVM04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24858/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LVM04

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED AFTER CIRCLING A GROUND FIRE AT ABOUT 500 FT AGL. THE PLT SAID THAT SHE WAS WATCHING THE GRND FIRE WHEN SUDDENLY THE ACFT DROPPED TO THE LEFT. SHE ADDED POWER AND APPLIED OPPOSITE RUDDER BUT THE ACFT DID NOT RECOVER. SHE DOES NOT REMEMBER DETAILS OF THE ACCIDENT. THE ACFT CAME TO REST IN AN APRICOT ORCHARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3957D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3957D-2013-06-11), registration cancelled 2013-06-11, S/N 554, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LARRY ROBBINS BAKENG DUCE (BAKENG DUC)
- Registry model: [Robbins Larry BAKENG DUCE](https://openairdocs.org/model/robbins-larry-bakeng-duce) (registry code 05650J2) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 554
- Airframe hours: 150
- Engines: LYCOMING O320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Larry A. Robbins
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, August 17, 1984, 150 hours before
- Departed: 307, HOLLISTER, CA
- Destination: SJC, SAN JOSE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,820 total, 75 in this make and model, 1,700 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19850713030979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850713030979A), Jul 13, 1985: Amtrbg BAKENGDUCE, Gilroy, CA, No damage. Pilot was circling at low altitude at slow airspeed when control was lost. Aircraft spun into the ground.

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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