# NTSB LAX88FA180: Curtiss-Wright Travel AIR 2000, N6130, Fairfield, CA, May 14, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1988, 16:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Fairfield, CA
- Coordinates: 38.409294, -122.009391 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4093&lon=-122.0094&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 9, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25831
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA180
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25831/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA180

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN AIRSPEED AT WHICH THE AIRCRAFT IS CONTROLLABLE AND ENTERING A STALL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - maneuver - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND HIS TWO PASSENGERS ENTERED LOW LEVEL FLIGHT DOWN A VALLEY TOWARDS A HILL. AS THE AIRCRAFT NEARED THE HILL IT BEGAN TO CLIMB THEN STALLED AND ENTERED A SPIN. THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED THE SPIN UNTIL IT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6130](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6130-2011-07-13), registration cancelled 2011-07-13, S/N 628, built 1928 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CURTISS-WRIGHT TRAVEL AIR 2000 (TRAVEL AIR)
- Registry model: [Curtiss Wright TRAVEL AIR 2000](https://openairdocs.org/model/curtiss-wright-travel-air-2000) (registry code 2621602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming R680](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-r680) (registry code 41540, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 628
- Airframe hours: 3579
- Engines: LYCOMING R-680-13 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mayes, George R.
- Registered owner: Mayes, George R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 10, 1987, 40 hours before
- Departed: CL88, VACAVILLE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,357 total, 131 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SUU, 5 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 19880514018329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880514018329A), May 14, 1988: Curtis TRVAIR2000, Fairfield, CA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Flying low in valley. Made steep climbing pullup over a hill. Stalled. Spun in. Burned on 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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