# NTSB LAX87FA286: Luscombe 8A, N2098B, Oakdale, CA, August 1, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1987, 00:15 local (07:15 UTC)
- Place: Oakdale, CA
- Coordinates: 37.800354, -120.739326 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8004&lon=-120.7393&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25413
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87FA286
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25413/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA286

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aerobatics - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - maintenance,annual inspection - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,compliance with ad - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stabilizer - failure,total (cause)
  - wing,spar - failure,total (cause)
  - wing,spar - corroded (cause)
  - wing,wing attachment fitting - overload (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT & HIS PLT-RATED WIFE (FLYING IN THEIR LUSCOMBE) & ANOTHER COUPLE (IN A RENTED MOONEY) HAD DINNER & DRANK WINE. BY ABOUT 0015 THE COUPLES HAD TAKEN OFF IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ACFT FOR A RETURN FLT HOME AND THEY HAD EACH OTHER IN SIGHT. THE COUPLE IN THE MOONEY STATED THAT WHILE CRUISING AT 6,500 FEET MSL (& ON A FEDERAL AIRWAY) THE PLT IN THE LUSCOMBE TRANSMITTED 'I'LL SHOW YOU SOMETHING. I'M GOING TO DO A VERTICAL 360. WATCH THIS.' THE MOONEY PLT OBSERVED THE LUSCOMBE DESCEND SLIGHTLY & THEN COMMENCE A CLIMB. THEREAFTER, CONTACT WAS LOST. THE LUSCOMBE WRECKAGE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND IN NUMEROUS PIECES DISTRIBUTED OVER 3/4-MI. EXAM OF THE ACFT STRUCTURE INCLUDING WING SPARS REVEALED SEVERE CORROSION. NO EVIDENCE OF THE ACFT HAVING A CURRENT ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS FOUND. TOXICOLOGICAL TESTS REVEALED ETHANOL LEVELS OF .02 PERCENT AND .08 PERCENT FOR THE PLT AND HIS WIFE RESPECTIVELY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2098B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2098B-2012-10-16), registration cancelled 2012-10-16, S/N 6525, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LUSCOMBE 8A
- Registry model: [Luscombe 8E](https://openairdocs.org/model/luscombe-8e) (registry code 8190112) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 6525
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Francis & Melissa Mings
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 022, COLUMBIA, CA
- Destination: HWD, HAYWARD, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,100 total, 2,100 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Visibility: 50 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 19870801082859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870801082859A), Aug 1, 1987: Bbavia STC8, Oakdale, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Right wing failed when pilot performed a loop at night en route. Extensive corrosion found in spars. AD not complied

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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