# NTSB LAX87LA346: Boeing A75N1, N68853, Lakeport, CA, September 26, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 26, 1987, 10:55 local (17:55 UTC)
- Place: Lakeport, CA
- Coordinates: 39.039062, -122.930068 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0391&lon=-122.9301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25697
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA346
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25697/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA346

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT GROUNDLOOPED DURING LANDING ROLL JUST AS THE TAILWHEEL TOUCHED DOWN. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND WINDS WERE LIGHT AND VARIABLE. HOWEVER, THE PILOT STATED THAT HE THOUGHT HE FELT A GUSTOF WIND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N68853](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N68853), registered now, S/N 75-5418 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING A75N1
- Registry model: [Boeing A75N1(PT17)](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-a75n1-pt17) (registry code 1380134) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-5418
- Airframe hours: 7499
- Engines: P&W R-985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John Noble
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 11, 1987, 31 hours before
- Departed: UKI, UKIAH, CA
- Airport: 102, Lampson, runway 28, 3,450 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 8,000 total, 34 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: UKI, 30 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 19870926056589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870926056589A), Sep 26, 1987: Boeing A75N1, Lakeport, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft ground looped when tail wheel touched the ground. Ended up in a ditch. Had no mechanical problems.

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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