# NTSB LAX89LA209: Aeronca 50F, N23954, Ontario, CA, May 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 30, 1989, 16:42 local (23:42 UTC)
- Place: Ontario, CA
- Coordinates: 34.040317, -117.669952 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0403&lon=-117.6700&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26422
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA209
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26422/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA209

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INABILITY TO COMPENSATE FOR EXISTING WIND CONDITIONS, RESULTING IN THE INABILITY TO MAINTAIN A CLIMB.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - downdraft (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not possible (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED EITHER A STRONG DOWN DRAFT OR WIND SHEAR DURING CLIMBOUT AT APPROXIMATELY 150 FT AGL. HE SAID THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE DESCENT AND THE AIRPLANE SETTLED TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N23954](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N23954), registered now, S/N F6189, built 1939 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 50F
- Registry model: [Aeronca 50-F](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-50-f) (registry code 0190702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: F6189
- Engines: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jeffrey W. Pearson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: ONT, Ontario

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, unknown; flight hours: 330 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Observed at: ONT, 5 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 19890530013409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890530013409A), May 30, 1989: Aronca 50F, Ontario, CA, Substantial damage. Reported downdraft on initial takeoff climb caused a loss of control and subsequent collision with 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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