# NTSB LAX87DVG01: Smith & R. Mathews RV-4, N63SM, Lincoln, CA, October 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: October 4, 1986, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Lincoln, CA
- Coordinates: 38.929019, -121.250114 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9290&lon=-121.2501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25338
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DVG01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25338/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVG01

## 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 - starvation (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

DURING A LOCAL TEST FLIGHT OF AN EXPERIMENTAL HOME BUILT ACFT, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AT APRX 3000 FT AGL. UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT, THE PLT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD. APRX ONE FT ABOVE THE TWO FOOT HIGH GRASS, THE PLT RAISED THE NOSE TO FLARE WHEN THE ACFT ENTERED A STALL. THE LEFT WING DROPPED AND DRAGGED ON THE GROUND. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED UPON TOUCHDOWN AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT A SAFETY WIRE HAD NOT BEEN INSTALLED AND THE GASCALATOR WAS LOOSE. APRX 1 TABLESPOON OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL LINES BETWEEN THE GASCALATOR AND THE CARBURETOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N63SM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N63SM), registered now, S/N 63, built 1986 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SMITH & R. MATHEWS RV-4
- Registry model: [Smith Ray H JR RV-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-ray-h-jr-rv-4) (registry code 056081K) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 63
- Airframe hours: 6
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-AIA 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ray H. Smith
- Registered owner: Smith, Ray H. Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 3, 1986, 6 hours before
- Airport: 05I, Lincoln Municipal, runway 15, 6,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 3,189 total, 6 in this make and model, 1,574 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MVY, 18 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 19861004047689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861004047689A), Oct 4, 1986: Amtrvn VANSRV4, Lincoln, CA, Substantial damage. The engine failed during a turn and the aircraft impacted in an open field. The gascolator was found to be loose.

## Other investigations on N63SM (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 LAX00LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA155), Apr 15, 2000: Smith RV-4 (N63SM), Willows, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: Disconnection of the elevator push rod due to the owner/builder's improper installation of the rear jam nut on the elevator pushrod.

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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