# NTSB LAX90DVG11: Gary Williams Avid Flyer, N275G, Redding, CA, June 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: June 30, 1990, 14:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Redding, CA
- Coordinates: 40.599361, -122.460334 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5994&lon=-122.4603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26579
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVG11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26579/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVG11

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO SELECT THE CORRECT POSITION OF THE FUEL SELECTOR. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS OPERATION WITH A KNOWN DEAD BATTERY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, climb - to cruise
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - electrical system,battery - inoperative (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT EXPEREINCED AN ENGINE FAILURE ABOUT 15 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART FAILED DUE TO A DEAD BATTERY THAT WAS FOUND DURING THE PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION. THE FUEL SYSTEM HAS A HEADER TANK DOWNSTREAM OF THE FUEL SELECTOR AND HAS A CAPACITY OF 3/4 OF A GALLON. WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR IN THE OFF POSITION THE ENGINE WILL RUN FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MINUTES. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO MECHANICAL DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION, AND THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N275G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N275G-2013-09-24), registration cancelled 2013-09-24, S/N 275 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GARY WILLIAMS AVID FLYER
- Registry model: [Williams Gary B](https://openairdocs.org/model/williams-gary-b) (registry code 05612JK) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 275
- Airframe hours: 84
- Engines: ROTAX 583 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary D. Williams
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 4, 1990, 84 hours before
- Departed: Q93, REDDING, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 172 total, 127 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 11 knots, gusting 19
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RBL, 20 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 19900630023049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900630023049A), Jun 30, 1990: Amtr B, Redding, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit after 15 minutes aloft,just time to empty header tank with fuel selector on off. Hit tree on landing.

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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