# NTSB LAX90DVA05: Vans RV-3, N9030N, Bakersfield, CA, June 15, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1990, 12:09 local (20:09 UTC)
- Place: Bakersfield, CA
- Coordinates: 35.379707, -119.019287 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3797&lon=-119.0193&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26559
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVA05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26559/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVA05

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AFTER A TOUCH AND GO LANDING IN A NEWLY ACQUIRED HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TOUCH AND GO LANDINGS IN A NEWLY PURCHASED HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT AND COLLIDED WITH A DIRT BANK OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY 31. THE WINDS WERE 340 DEGREES AT 5 KNOTS. THE RUNWAY WAS 50 FEET WIDE. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9030N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9030N-2011-08-25), registration cancelled 2011-08-25, S/N 417, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Vans Aircraft RV-3
- Registry model: [Blunt Ruben J VANS RV-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/blunt-ruben-j-vans-rv-3) (registry code 05608C4) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 417
- Airframe hours: 450
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John Lynn Doan
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 9, 1990
- Airport: L45, Bakersfield Muni, runway 31, 3,150 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 330 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BFL, 7 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 19900615021269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900615021269A), Jun 15, 1990: Amtrvn VANSRV3, Bakersfield, CA, Substantial damage. Vibration on landing. Ran off side of runway into dirt pile. First flight single seat.

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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