# NTSB LAX89DVG05: Morse F85P-1, N611AA, Redding, CA, April 8, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: April 8, 1989, 08:28 local (15:28 UTC)
- Place: Redding, CA
- Coordinates: 40.600048, -122.459953 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6000&lon=-122.4600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26167
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89DVG05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26167/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVG05

## Probable cause

AN ANIMAL ON THE RUNWAY.  FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL GROUND LOOP AND THE RESULTANT LOSS OF CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - animal(s) (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY SWERVED HIS AIRCRAFT AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL TO AVOID A SMALL ANIMAL ON THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT SUBSEQUENTLY GROUND LOOPED AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. THERE WAS NO REPORTED MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N611AA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N611AA), registered now, S/N 85001, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MORSE F85P-1
- Registry model: [Morse George JR F85P-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/morse-george-jr-f85p-1) (registry code 05613KQ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 85001
- Airframe hours: 400
- Engines: AUTO AVIATION F85-266 212 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: George Morse
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 29, 1988, 50 hours before
- Departed: RDD, REDDING, CA
- Airport: RDD, Redding Muni, runway 16, 7,003 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; military, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 6,500 total, 6,200 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDD

## 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 19890408006899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890408006899A), Apr 8, 1989: Amtrms F85P1, Redding, CA, Substantial damage. Swerved to avoid small animal on runway during takeoff. Lost control and ground looped.

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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