# NTSB LAX86LA005: Willie II, N7919, Blythe, CA, October 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1985, 13:53 local (20:53 UTC)
- Place: Blythe, CA
- Coordinates: 33.749382, -114.509651 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7494&lon=-114.5097&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24991
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24991/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA005

## Sequence of events

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

- Main gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - landing gear,main gear - undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

ON OCT 5, 1985 A WILLIE II HOMEBUILT CRASHED ON TAKEOFF AFTER ITS LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED. VMC EXISTED AT THE TIME AND NO FLT PLAN WAS FILED. THE AC SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND THE TWO OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. THE WINDS WERE FROM 050. AT 8 KTS. THE PLT DID NOT STATE WHY THE GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7919](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7919-2022-07-02), registration cancelled 2022-07-02, S/N 1 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WILLIE II
- Registry model: [Shober WILLIE II](https://openairdocs.org/model/shober-willie-ii) (registry code 05611AU) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 001
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Stephen J. Dyroff
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 21, 1985, 70 hours before
- Destination: YUMA, AZ
- Airport: BLH, Blythe Muni, runway 8, 6,560 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial, military; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,260 total, 30 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F, dew point -0 °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 19851005067269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851005067269A), Oct 5, 1985: Amtrsj WILLIE2, Blythe, CA, Substantial damage. Left landing gear failed on takeoff roll. Left wing hit runway. Aircraft cartwheeled. No explanation given.

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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