# NTSB LAX88DVD03: Paxton RV-3A, N87JP, Antioch, CA, March 15, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: March 14, 1988, 18:00 local (Mar 15, 1988, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Antioch, CA
- Coordinates: 37.990802, -121.810005 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.9908&lon=-121.8100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 9, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25759
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88DVD03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25759/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVD03

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - wing,spar - overload (cause)
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS, THE AIRCRAFT WAS SEEN TO HAVE ENTERED A SPIN. AT APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET THE AIRCRAFT RECOVERED, HOWEVER, THE LEFT WING WAS SEEN TO BE BENT UPWARD AND THE FIBERGLASS TIP WAS DANGLING FROM THE WING. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TERRAIN IN A NEAR LEVEL ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N87JP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N87JP-1991-03-21), registration cancelled 1991-03-21, S/N 499 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PAXTON RV-3A
- Registry model: [Paxton John RV-3A](https://openairdocs.org/model/paxton-john-rv-3a) (registry code 056085Y) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 499
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Paxton, John
- Registered owner: John Paxton
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: LVK, LIVERMORE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 446 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19880314005329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880314005329A), Mar 14, 1988: Amtrvn VANSRV3, Antioch, CA, Destroyed. Wing spar failed from overload during aerobatic maneuvers. Aircraft spun but pilot recovered just prior to 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.

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