# NTSB LAX90DUG04: Weber Christen Eagle II, N234RW, Bermuda Dunes, CA, March 18, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: March 18, 1990, 11:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Bermuda Dunes, CA
- Coordinates: 33.709365, -116.230674 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7094&lon=-116.2307&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/800) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 10, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26532
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DUG04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26532/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DUG04

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WHILE PERFORMING ACROBATIC MANEUVERS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, other
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES INDICATED THAT THE HOMEBUILT ENTERED A SPIN WHILE PERFORMING AEROBATIC MANEUVERS. PILOT AT CONTROLS PRESUMED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N234RW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N234RW-1993-10-21), registration cancelled 1993-10-21, S/N WEBER0001 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WEBER CHRISTEN EAGLE II (CHRISTEN E)
- Registry model: [Weber Richard E CHRISTEN EAGLE II](https://openairdocs.org/model/weber-richard-e-christen-eagle-ii) (registry code 05658A5) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: WEBER 0001
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1D 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard E. Weber
- Airport: UDD, Bermuda Dunes

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,800 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PSP, 13 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 19900318004509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900318004509A), Mar 18, 1990: Amtral EAGLE2, Bermuda Dunes, CA, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. Entered a spin during acrobatic maneuver. Did not recover.

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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