# NTSB LAX90DVA03: Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3, N45184, Madera, CA, May 5, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1990, 19:00 local (May 5, 1990, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Madera, CA
- Coordinates: 36.909252, -120.189247 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9093&lon=-120.1892&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26557
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVA03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26557/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVA03

## Probable cause

THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY DESCENDING INTO THE GROUND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INFLIGHT OPENING OF THE HOPPER LID WHICH PARTIALLY OBSCURED THE PILOT'S VISION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hazardous materials leak/spill, maneuvering - aerial application
  - door,cargo/baggage - open (contributing factor)
  - hazardous material - dumped (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A CROP DUSTER INADVERTENTLY FLEW INTO THE GROUND WHILE RETURNING TO LAND AFTER THE LID TO THE HOPPER CAME OPEN SPRAYING THE PILOT WITH THE CHEMICAL. THE CHEMICAL PARTIAL OBSCURED THE VISIBILITY OF THE PILOT AND WHEN HE REALIZED HE WAS DESCENDING, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. THE NON-CURRENT PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N45184](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N45184), registered now, S/N 2837, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: NAVAL AIRCRAFT FACTORY N3N-3
- Registry model: [Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/naval-aircraft-factory-n3n-3) (registry code 6120202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2837
- Engines: P&W R-985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Ray Pool
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 16, 1990, 11 hours before
- Departed: MADERA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; seat: rear; flight hours: 12,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFI, 10 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 19900504022939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900504022939A), May 4, 1990: Naval N3N3, Madera, CA, Destroyed. Hopper came open slipping to find flagman. Dumped load but sulphur dust blinded pilot and he flew into ground.

## Other investigations on N45184 (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX75DUJ19](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX75DUJ19), Aug 9, 1974: Naval Fcty N3N-1 (N45184), Queen Creek, AZ, substantial damage

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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