# NTSB LAX86FA024: Champion 7ECA, N7547F, Seal Beach, CA, October 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 27, 1985, 12:54 local (20:54 UTC)
- Place: Seal Beach, CA
- Coordinates: 33.710842, -118.040374 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7108&lon=-118.0404&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24877
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24877/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FA024

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - weather condition - haze/smoke (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

BASED UPON PREARRANGED PLANS, THE PLT & PAX FLEW OVER THE WATER FOR THE PURPOSE OF PHOTOGRAPHING FRIENDS OF THEIRS IN SAIL BOATS. THE PLT ROLLED HIS ACFT INTO A MEDIUM BANK & CIRCLED OVER THE SPECIFIED BOAT WHILE HIS PAX COMMENCED TAKING PHOTOS. THE PLT, DISTRACTED BY THE SAILBOAT, FAILED TO BE ATTENTIVE TO HIS ACFT'S ALTITUDE & HE DESCENDED UNTIL COLLIDING WITH THE WATER. THE ACFT QUICKLY SANK & ALTHOUGH THE REAR SEATED PIC WAS ABLE TO EXTRICATE HIMSELF, THE FRONT SEATED PAX'S HEAD STRUCK THE INSTRUMENT PANEL & HE DROWNED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7547F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7547F-2017-02-04), registration cancelled 2017-02-04, S/N 729-70, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7ECA
- Registry model: [Champion 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7eca) (registry code 21101NN) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 729-70
- Airframe hours: 2977
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles E. Mann Enterprises
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, July 7, 1985, 18 hours before
- Departed: CPM, COMPTON, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 379 total, 295 in this make and model, 295 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19851027053989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851027053989A), Oct 27, 1985: Bbavia 7ECA, Seal Beach, CA, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. While flying very low over the ocean to photograph sail boats, impacted waters and sank. No malfunction found.

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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