# NTSB LAX89DVG09: Clatti FOCKE-WULF-190, N34FW, Placerville, CA, September 8, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: September 8, 1989, 12:53 local (19:53 UTC)
- Place: Placerville, CA
- Coordinates: 38.730838, -120.800285 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7308&lon=-120.8003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 26, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26171
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89DVG09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26171/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DVG09

## Probable cause

THE WING FAILED DUE TO DELAMINATION CAUSED BY ADHESIVE SEPARATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - wing - delamination (cause)
  - wing - failure,total (cause)
  - inadequate quality control, manufacturer (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

THE AMATEUR BUILT ACFT DEPARTED ON THE SECOND TEST FLIGHT. THE PILOT CIRCLED THE AIRPORT AND THEN ENTERED INTO A NOSE DOWN MANEUVER. DURING THE DESCENT BOTH WINGS FOLDED UPWARDS AND THEN AFT. THE AIRPLANE CRASHED, UNCONTROLLED, INTO AN OPEN FIELD. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED THE COMPOSITE MATERIAL DELAMINATED DUE TO ADHESIVE FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N34FW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N34FW-1990-07-16), registration cancelled 1990-07-16, S/N 225 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CLATTI FOCKE-WULF-190 (FOCKE-WULF)
- Registry model: [Glattli William H. FOCKE-WULF 190](https://openairdocs.org/model/glattli-william-h-focke-wulf-190) (registry code 0566415) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 225
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Hans W. Link
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, August 19, 1989, 15 hours before
- Airport: PVF, Placerville, runway 23, 4,200 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial, airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AFB

## 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 19890908034099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890908034099A), Sep 8, 1989: Placerville, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Wings folded during test flight. Rusty elevator bellcrank failed. Fiberglass cover failed. Sat out. Weathered badly

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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