# NTSB LAX86FA314: Cessna 421C, N98998, Callahan, CA, August 6, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 6, 1986, 11:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Callahan, CA
- Coordinates: 40.49942, -123.190834 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4994&lon=-123.1908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24933
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86FA314
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24933/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86FA314

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, climb
  - object - tree(s)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER DROPPING COMPANY EXECUTIVES OFF AT MEDFORD, THE PILOT WAS TO RETURN TO SANTA ROSA EMPTY. WITNESSES ALONG THE 25 NM VALLEY WHICH ENDS AT THE ACCIDENT SITE REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT BUZZED THEIR LOCATIONS AT AGL ALTITUDES VARIOUSLY DESCRIBED AS '10 FEET' AND 'SO LOW YOU COULD COUNT THE RIVETS.' US FOREST SVC PERSONNEL NEAR THE ACCIDENT SITE REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT FLEW OVER THEIR POSITION 'JUST ABOVE THE TREES' FOLLOWING THE SLOPE OF THE MOUNTAIN UPWARD. THE ACCIDENT SITE IS ON A POPULAR HIKING TRAIL THE PILOT'S GIRLFRIEND REPORTEDLY SAID SHE WOULD LIKE TO VISIT. ON SITE EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE AIRCRAFT FIRST CONTACTED THE UPPER 5 FEET OF THE TREETOPS IN A CLIMB ATTITUDE. NO PREIMPACT FAILURES OF THE ACFT WERE IDENTIFIED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N98998](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N98998-1991-03-27), registration cancelled 1991-03-27, S/N 421C0113 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 421C
- Registry model: [Cessna 421C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-421c) (registry code 2076016) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 421C0113
- Airframe hours: 2519
- Engines: CONTINENTAL GTSI0-520-F-K 375 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Executive/Corporate, Part 91
- Operator: Telesite Corp.
- Registered owner: Telesite Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1986, 90 hours before
- Departed: MFR, MEDFORD, OR
- Destination: STS, SANTA ROSA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; airline transport, flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,440 total, 370 in this make and model, 2,275 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: 105, 30 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 19860806037709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860806037709A), Aug 6, 1986: Cessna 421C, Callahan, CA, Destroyed. Buzzed a valley and airport and struck trees on rising terrain.

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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