# NTSB LAX86LA104: Pitts S-1, N7JB, Julian, CA, February 3, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 2, 1986, 17:40 local (Feb 3, 1986, 01:40 UTC)
- Place: Julian, CA
- Coordinates: 33.019386, -116.489479 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0194&lon=-116.4895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25063
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25063/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA104

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight briefing service - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper decision, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (cause)

## Analysis

A PITTS S-1 NOSED OVER ON LANDING ROLL IN ROUGH TERRAIN AFTER AN ENGINE FAILURE. THE PLT INDICATED DUE TO FAULTY AND POOR WX BRIEFINGS THE FLIGHT WAS DETOURED FROM THE PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE ROUTES AND THE AIRCRAFT RAN OUT OF FUEL. THE PLT HAD CONTACTED FSS ON TWO OCCASIONS REQUESTING WX FOR HIS DESTINATION. BOTH TIMES THE WX WAS GIVEN AS 3000 FT OVC AND 15 MI VISIBILITY. THE PLT'S ROUTE REQUIRED NAVIGATION THROUGH THE COASTAL RANGE MTS. THE PEAKS OF WHICH RISE BETWEEN 5000 AND 6000 FT MSL WITH PASSES AT 3000 FT MSL. THE FLD ELEV OF THE WX REPORTING STATION WAS 385 FEET. THE REPORTED WX CONDITIONS PLACED THE BASE OF THE CEILING AT APPROXIMATELY 100 TO 200 FT IN THE PASSES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7JB (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PITTS S-1
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: J-B-1
- Airframe hours: 700
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Henry L. Maslon
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 1, 1986, 15 hours before
- Departed: L04, HOLTVILLE, CA
- Destination: SEE, SAN DIEGO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 3,325 total, 248 in this make and model, 77 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAN, 25 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 19860202031449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860202031449A), Feb 2, 1986: Child S1PITTS, Julian, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft nosed over after a forced landing due to fuel exhaustion. Detoured due to mountain passes low ceilings.

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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