# NTSB LAX87DVA03: Eagle DW-1, N8808E, Modesto, CA, February 24, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: February 24, 1987, 07:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Modesto, CA
- Coordinates: 37.629352, -121.010017 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6294&lon=-121.0100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25323
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DVA03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25323/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVA03

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not obtained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE PILOT STATED THAT JUST AFTER THE AIRCRAFT BECAME AIRBORNE, IT BEGAN TO LOSE ALTITUDE AND STRUCK A CANAL BANK AT THE END OF THE DIRT STRIP. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS. THE ACFT WAS LOADED WITH 220 GALLONS OF FUNGICIDE AND 40 GALS OF FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8808E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8808E-2014-12-22), registration cancelled 2014-12-22, S/N DW-1-0051-81, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Eagle Aircraft Co. DW-1
- Registry model: [Eagle EAGLE DW-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/eagle-eagle-dw-1) (registry code 3230203) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: DW-1
- Airframe hours: 1210
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-M1B5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Thomas R. Welch
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 14, 1986, 213 hours before
- Departed: MODESTO, CA
- Airport: Ag Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 7,050 total, 800 in this make and model, 7,000 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19870224003359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870224003359A), Feb 24, 1987: Eagle DW1, Modesto, CA, Substantial damage. Settled after liftoff from a Private strip. Crashed into a canal embankment. Misjudged aircraft performance.

## Other investigations on N8808E (1)

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.

- [NTSB SEA83LA138](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA138), Jun 29, 1983: Eagle DW-1 (N8808E), Bliss, ID, substantial damage

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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