# NTSB LAX86DVA07: Wright BD5B, N357X, Merced, CA, May 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1986, 10:19 local (17:19 UTC)
- Place: Merced, CA
- Coordinates: 37.349945, -120.420883 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3499&lon=-120.4209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24865
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86DVA07
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24865/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86DVA07

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - unlocked (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - open (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

GROUND WITNESSES AND THE PILOT REPORTED THE CANOPY OPENED SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING RUNWAY 30 AT MERCED AIRPORT, MERCED, CA. THE PILOT EXECUTED A STEEP LEFT BANKING TURN. WHEN THE AIRPLANE TURNED ABT 140 DEG IT PITCHED UP, ROLLED INVERTED AND NOSED DOWN INTO THE GROUND. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE AFT CANOPY LOCKING PINS WERE NOT ENGAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N357X (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: WRIGHT BD5B
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: WRIGHT 0001
- Engines: HONDA EB3 reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jack B. Wright
- Registered owner: Wright, Jack B
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, March 28, 1984
- Airport: MCE, Merced, runway 30, 5,903 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 450 total, 40 in this make and model, 12 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 3 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCE, 5 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 19860504015449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860504015449A), May 4, 1986: Amtrbd BEDEBD5, Merced, CA, Destroyed. The canopy of the homebuilt aircraft opened during takeoff for undetermined reasons. Lost control. Aircraft stalled

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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