# NTSB LAX87LA325: Beech A45, N34GL, Mammoth Lakes, CA, September 6, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 1987, 12:49 local (19:49 UTC)
- Place: Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Coordinates: 34.720153, -118.479164 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7202&lon=-118.4792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25682
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA325
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25682/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA325

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command
  - maneuver - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING AN AIRSHOW PERFORMANCE, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE. THE MANEUVER THE PLT WAS TO PERFORM WAS A CUBAN EIGHT. THE FIRST HALF OF THE MANEUVER WAS FLOWN CORRECTLY, HOWEVER, DURING THE SECOND HALF OF IT THE ACFT REMAINED IN AN INVERTED POSITION INSTEAD OF ROLLING RIGHT SIDE UP AT THE TOP OF THE LOOP. THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N34GL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N34GL-2012-09-18), registration cancelled 2012-09-18, S/N G-733 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A45
- Registry model: [Beech A45](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a45) (registry code 1152006) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: G-733
- Airframe hours: 5552
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-13A 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Loundagin, Gary J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Unknown, October 18, 1986
- Departed: MMH, MAMMOTH LAKES, CA
- Airport: MMH, Mammoth Lakes

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,252 total, 1,110 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

## 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 19870906050009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870906050009A), Sep 6, 1987: Beech A45, Mammoth Lakes, CA, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Failed to recover from a low level loop as part of a cuban eight done incorrectly. Near vertical impact.

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.