# NTSB LAX87LA194: Stinson 108, N9216K, Healdsburg, CA, April 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 5, 1987, 13:27 local (20:27 UTC)
- Place: Healdsburg, CA
- Coordinates: 38.630069, -122.890014 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6301&lon=-122.8900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 6, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25581
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA194
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25581/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA194

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - instructions,written/verbal - disregarded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
- Nose down, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

DURING WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A TAXI TEST, THE PLT DECIDED TO TAKEOFF WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT. THE ACFT VEERED TO THE RIGHT OFF THE RWY AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THE PLT HAD FLOWN THE ACFT FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH THE OWNER THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. THE OWNER STATED THAT THE PLT COULD NOT TAKEOFF OR LAND THE ACFT WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT THE OWNER HAD INSTRUCTED THE PLT TO TAXI THE ACFT AROUND TO GET THE FEEL OF THE BRAKES, HOWEVER, THE PLT TOOK THE ACFT DOWN THE RWY WHERE HE LOST CONTROL WHEN THE ACFT TOOK OFF. AT AN ALTITUDE OF 3 TO 5 FEET AGL THE LEFT WING DIPPED, THE ACFT SETTLED TO THE RWY THEN VEERED RIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9216K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9216K-2013-03-11), registration cancelled 2013-03-11, S/N 108-2216, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108
- Registry model: [Stinson 108](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108) (registry code 9230402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4150 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4150-series) (registry code 27024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-2216
- Airframe hours: 1976
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-150-B3 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Elton W. Farmer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 12, 1986, 10 hours before
- Departed: 031, HEALDSBURG, CA
- Airport: 031, Healdsburg, runway 31, 2,707 × 45 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 21,800 total, 3 in this make and model, 18,000 as pilot in command, 78 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: UKI, 32 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 19870405079139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870405079139A), Apr 5, 1987: Univar 108, Healdsburg, CA, Substantial damage. Lost control during takeoff. Ran off runway. Went over an embankment. Nosed down. Not qualified to solo the 108.

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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