# NTSB LAX87FA167: Champion 7ECA, N9655S, Upland, CA, April 2, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 2, 1987, 08:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Upland, CA
- Location: 34.1161° N, 117.6599° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Upland, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1161&lon=-117.6599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25395
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87FA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25395/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA167

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft weight and balance - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOOK OFF FROM HIS HOME AIRPORT FOR A SIGHT-SEEING, LOCAL FLIGHT OVER NEARBY MOUNTAINS. ALTHOUGH THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER WEIGHED 270 LBS AND THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL TANKS WERE ASSUMED TO BE FULL, THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE PILOT CALCULATED THE AIRCRAFT'S WEIGHT AND BALANCE DATA FOR THE FLIGHT. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WITH EVIDENCE INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE WAS PRODUCING POWER. THE EVIDENCE INDICATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN CLIMBING UP THE STEEPLY RISING CANYON, ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE, AND COLLIDED WITH THE CANYON WALL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9655S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9655S-2013-05-23), registration cancelled 2013-05-23, S/N 236, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7ECA
- Registry model: [Champion 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7eca) (registry code 21101NN) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 236
- Airframe hours: 1821
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Duricka, Robert L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility; Standard, Aerobatic
- Departed: CCB, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 850 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ONT, 7 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 19870402010469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870402010469A), Apr 2, 1987: Bbavia STC7, Upland, CA, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. Impacted the side of a canyon wall. Was over gross weight. Appears unable to outclimb rising terrain.

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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