# NTSB LAX89DUG02: Mason AJM-1, N87AJ, Cajalco, CA, January 22, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: January 22, 1989, 09:11 local (17:11 UTC)
- Place: Cajalco, CA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 18, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26120
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89DUG02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26120/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DUG02

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL DESCENT INTO THE TERRAIN.  CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S PHYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS AND HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
  - stall/spin - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - psychological condition, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT RADIOED HE HAD CONTROL DIFFICULTIES WITH HIS AIRCRAFT AND DECLINED ASSISTANCE TO LAND AT NEARBY AIRPORTS. WITNESSES DESCRIBED THE AIRCRAFT AS SPINNING INTO THE GROUND FROM A VERY HIGH ALTITUDE. A VIDEO TAPE OF THE FLIGHT (FROM THE COCKPIT) INDICATED NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE TIME THE PILOT REPORTED HAVING DIFFICULTIES. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR. THE PILOT DELIBERATELY TURNED OFF THE VIDEO CAMERA PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT HAD JUST PURCHASED THIS AIRCRAFT. THIS WAS HIS FIRST FLIGHT AND HAD REFUSED THE OFFER OF INSTRUCTION FROM THE AIRCRAFT OWNER/BUILDER. THE CORONER HAS RULED THE ACCIDENT AS A SUICIDE. THE PILOT HAD JUST UNDERGONE MAJOR SURGERY AND WAS TAKING THE PRESCRIBED DRUG COUMADIN. ACCORDING TO THE FAA, THE USE OF THIS DRUG WOULD HAVE PRECLUDED THE USE OF HIS AEROMEDICAL CERTIFICATE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N87AJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N87AJ-2013-07-29), registration cancelled 2013-07-29, S/N 1699 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MASON AJM-1
- Registry model: [Mason Arthur J POLLIWAGEN AJM-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/mason-arthur-j-polliwagen-ajm-1) (registry code 056123B) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1699
- Airframe hours: 32
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard E. Mckim
- Registered owner: Arthur J. Mason
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 28, 1988, 32 hours before
- Departed: L39, RAMONA, CA
- Destination: TVL, LAKE TAHOE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,010 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 23 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RIV, 27 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 19890122001729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890122001729A), Jan 22, 1989: Amtr POLLIWAGON, Cajalco, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Reported control problems needed to burn off fuel then spun down to ground 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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