# NTSB LAX88DUQ01: Stits Elkins 85, N72P, Camarillo, CA, October 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: October 25, 1987, 11:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Camarillo, CA
- Coordinates: 34.229621, -119.06945 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2296&lon=-119.0695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DUQ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DUQ01

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, standing - starting engine(s)
  - starting procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper assistance - not obtained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, taxi
  - object - airport facility (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE STARTING PROCEDURES FOR A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE PILOT HAD CHOCKED THE WHEELS AND WAS HAND-PROPPING THE ENGINE. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, THE ENGINE STARTED. THE AIRPLANE JUMPED THE CHOCKS AND THE PILOT MOVED TO THE RIGHT WING, ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE PIVOTED AROUND THE PLT AND COLLIDED WITH A HANGAR. THE PLT RECEIVED A FATAL HEAD INJURY WHEN THE ACFT WING KNOCKED HIM TO THE PAVEMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N72P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N72P-2013-02-20), registration cancelled 2013-02-20, S/N 104, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STITS ELKINS 85
- Registry model: [Stits-Elkins 85 SA6B](https://openairdocs.org/model/stits-elkins-85-sa6b) (registry code 8650426) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 104
- Airframe hours: 347
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-75 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jules S. Leon
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 22, 1987, 49 hours before
- Airport: CMA, Camarillo

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19871025060589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871025060589A), Oct 25, 1987: Amtrsa STITSELK85, Oxnard, CA, Minor damage, 1 fatal. Engine went to full power after hand propping. Pilot grabbed a wing but was knocked down. Aircraft struck a hanger.

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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