# NTSB LAX90DVG09: Cullen/Roth Falcon XP, N9939, Yountville, CA, June 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 2, 1990, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Yountville, CA
- Coordinates: 38.40974, -122.360519 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4097&lon=-122.3605&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26577
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVG09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26577/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVG09

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF FUEL SUPPLY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - fuel supply - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A HOMEBUILT FELT A 'SHUTTER' IN THE ENGINE AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A VINEYARD. THE PILOT STATED HE HAD BEEN AIRBORNE ABOUT 40 MINUTES. THE PILOT SAID THE SPARK PLUGS WERE FOUND TO BE OK AND THE CARBURETOR BOWL WAS EMPTY OF FUEL. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THERE WERE ABOUT SEVEN GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD AT THE TIME OF DEPARTURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N9939 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CULLEN/ROTH FALCON XP
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 600203
- Airframe hours: 249
- Engines: Bombardier ROTAX 50 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Cullen, William E.
- Registered owner: Cullen, William E
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, October 6, 1989
- Departed: 102, LAMPSON AIRPORT, CA
- Destination: 056, NOVATO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 246 total, 160 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

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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