# NTSB LAX88DVA01: Eagle DW-1, N8801Y, Modesto, CA, February 27, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: February 27, 1988, 12:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Modesto, CA
- Coordinates: 37.629993, -121.010688 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6300&lon=-121.0107&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25740
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVA01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25740/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVA01

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - propeller system/accessories,dome - separation (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,pitch change mech - inoperative (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ENROUTE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SPRAYING A FIELD, THE ENGINE SEEMED TO OVERSPEED THEN LOSE POWER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LANDED ON A SOFT FIELD WHERE DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. THE PROPELLER DOME WAS FOUND TO HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT AND WAS FOUND 150 FEET PRIOR TO THE FIRST POINT OF IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8801Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8801Y), registered now, S/N DW-1-0011-80, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Eagle Aircraft Co. DW-1
- Registry model: [Eagle EAGLE DW-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/eagle-eagle-dw-1) (registry code 3230203) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 0011-80
- Airframe hours: 813
- Engines: CONTINENTAL W-670-6N 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Thomas Welch, doing business as Welch Aerial Applicators
- Registered owner: Thomas Welch DBA
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 26, 1987, 172 hours before
- Departed: A/P, MODESTO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 6,500 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 6,500 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MOD, 7 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 19880227005339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880227005339A), Feb 27, 1988: Eagle DW1, Modesto, CA, Destroyed. Engine lost power on climbout. Crashed in a soft field. Flipped inverted. Propeller cylinder piston broke off.

## Other investigations on N8801Y (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI82DA265](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA265), Jul 21, 1982: Eagle DW-1 (N8801Y), Murdock, MN, substantial damage

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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