# NTSB LAX89LA168: Stinson 108, N97169, Avalon, CA, April 22, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 22, 1989, 15:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Avalon, CA
- Coordinates: 33.379898, -118.45079 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3799&lon=-118.4508&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26386
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA168
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26386/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA168

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE DOWNDRAFTS HE ENCOUNTERED AND THE DELAY IN HIS DECISION TO PERFORM A GO-AROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. THE AIRPLANE LOST ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT OPTED TO GO-AROUND. A RIGHT TURN WAS MADE, DURING WHICH THE AIRPLANE LOST MORE ALTITUDE AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT OF CESSNA THAT LANDED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE N97169 STATED THAT THE UNICOM OPERATOR REPORTED POSSIBLE DOWNDRAFTS ON FINAL APPROACH. WHILE ON FINAL THE PILOT DID ENCOUNTER THESE DOWNDRAFTS BUT WAS ABLE TO LAND SUCCESSFULLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N97169](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N97169-2011-05-03), registration cancelled 2011-05-03, S/N 108-169, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108
- Registry model: [Stinson 108](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-108) (registry code 9230402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Franklin 6A4150 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6a4150-series) (registry code 27024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-169
- Airframe hours: 1995
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-150-B3 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Waterman, David K.
- Registered owner: Waterman, David K
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 8, 1988, 27 hours before
- Departed: CNO, CHINO, CA
- Airport: AVN, Catalina, runway 22, 3,240 × 100 ft, asphalt

## 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; flight hours: 2,000 total, 350 in this make and model, 459 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19890422009689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890422009689A), Apr 22, 1989: Univar 108, Avalon, CA, Substantial damage. High sink rate on final. Tried go around by low altitude and struck the ground.

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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