# NTSB LAX90DVG14: Don G. Kaye RV-3, N840DK, Willows, CA, August 6, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: August 6, 1990, 13:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Willows, CA
- Coordinates: 39.500007, -122.279838 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5000&lon=-122.2798&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26582
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DVG14
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26582/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DVG14

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON THE RUNWAY AFTER EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - temperature extremes (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel grade - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THIS HOMEBUILT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF. AFTER LANDING ON THE RUNWAY THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED  TAILWIND AND THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OPERATING WITH AUTOMOTIVE GASOLINE. THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS 107 DEGREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N840DK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N840DK-1990-11-20), registration cancelled 1990-11-20, S/N 840 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DON G. KAYE RV-3
- Registry model: [Kaye Don G RV-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/kaye-don-g-rv-3) (registry code 056085G) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 840
- Airframe hours: 118
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kaye, Don G.
- Registered owner: Kaye, Don George
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 28, 1989
- Destination: 307, HOLLISTER, CA
- Airport: WLW, Willows-Glenn, runway 34, 4,506 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 300 total, 100 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 108 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CIC, 21 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 19900806030449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900806030449A), Aug 6, 1990: Amtrvn VANSRV3, Willows, CA, Substantial damage. Engine lost power on takeoff. Tried to land on remaining runway. Nosed over. 107 degrees possible vapor lock.

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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