# NTSB LAX89DUG03: Van'S/Fish RV-4, N239X, Hesperia, CA, March 21, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: March 21, 1989, 11:13 local (19:13 UTC)
- Place: Hesperia, CA
- Coordinates: 34.359806, -117.319366 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3598&lon=-117.3194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26121
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89DUG03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26121/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DUG03

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY LATCH THE CANOPY PRIOR TO TAKEOFF AND BY ALLOWING THE AIRCRAFT TO ENTER INTO A STALL DURING A CRITICAL PHASE OF FLIGHT AT AN ATTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO RECOVER SAFELY. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LOSS OF HIS EYEGLASSES WHEN THE CANOPY DEPARTED THE AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - window,canopy - not secured (contributing factor)
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES REPORTED OBSERVING THE PILOT TAXI TO THE RUNWAY WITH THE CANOPY CRACKED OPEN APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES. THE PILOT ENTERED THE RUNWAY AND DEPARTED WITHOUT PRE-TAKEOFF OR COCKPIT CHECK. SOON AFTER TAKEOFF THE CANOPY DEPARTED THE AIRCRAFT ALONG WITH THE PILOT'S GLASSES WHICH WERE BOTH FOUND ON THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT RETURNED TO LAND AND THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED INTO A STALL AND SPUN INTO THE GROUND FROM AN ATTITUDE OF 100 FEET ABOUT 1/4 MILE FROM THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N239X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N239X-2013-09-17), registration cancelled 2013-09-17, S/N 812 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: VAN'S/FISH RV-4
- Registry model: [Fish Robert P RV 4](https://openairdocs.org/model/fish-robert-p-rv-4) (registry code 056089D) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 812
- Airframe hours: 5
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1D6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert P. Fish
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 13, 1989, 5 hours before
- Departed: L26, HESPERIA, CA
- Destination: CNO, CHINO, CA
- Airport: L26, Hesperia, runway 3, 3,910 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 100 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19890321004289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890321004289A), Mar 21, 1989: Amtrvn VANSRV4, Hesperia, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Canopy came off on initial climb. Pilot had failed to secure it, then stalled on the homebuilt maneuvering to land.

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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