# NTSB LAX87DVM01: Moore-Van RV-3, N135RV, Carmel, CA, November 27, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: November 27, 1986, 12:33 local (20:33 UTC)
- Place: Carmel, CA
- Coordinates: 36.549762, -121.920249 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5498&lon=-121.9202&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25346
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DVM01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25346/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DVM01

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - wing - overload (cause)
  - wing - separation (cause)
  - aircraft performance - exceeded (cause)
  - aircraft weight and balance - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aerobatics - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE EXPERIMENTAL HOMEBUILT ACFT WAS PERFORMING AEROBATICS CONSISTING OF LOOPS, ROLLS AND HIGH SPEED CLIMBS FROM PULL-OUTS. THE ACFT LIMITATIONS ALLOWED FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF AEROBATICS, WHICH INCLUDED THE MANEUVERS THE PLT WAS PERFORMING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT PULL UP INTO A HIGH SPEED CLIMB AT THE CONCLUSION OF A SERIES OF ROLLS. THE WINGS SEPARATED FROM THE ACFT AT THE TOP OF THE CLIMB. DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NO PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS OR MECHANICAL DEFECTS WERE IDENTIFIED. AS CALCULATED, THE ACFT WAS OVER MAX GROSS WEIGHT BY 7 LBS AND THE CENTER OF GRAVITY WAS AFT OF THE REAR LIMIT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N135RV](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N135RV-2013-04-02), registration cancelled 2013-04-02, S/N 783 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOORE-VAN RV-3
- Registry model: [Moore Marbert G JR VANS RV-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/moore-marbert-g-jr-vans-rv-3) (registry code 05608Z3) (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: 783
- Airframe hours: 142
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Donald Jack Keichler
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: 062, CARMEL VALLEY, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 14,300 total, 950 in the last 90 days, 300 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SNS, 12 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 19861127064129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861127064129A), Nov 27, 1986: Amtrvn VANSRV3, Carmel, CA, Destroyed. The wings failed during aerobatic flight operations. Aircraft calculated to be over gross weight and aft CG limits.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.