# NTSB LAX90DXQ01: Bennet Spezio Tuholer, N8841, Chilcoot, CA, December 15, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: December 15, 1989, 15:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Chilcoot, CA
- Coordinates: 39.749359, -120.059104 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7494&lon=-120.0591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26588
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DXQ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26588/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DXQ01

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION BY FAILING TO MAINTAIN PROPER TERRAIN CLEARANCE WHILE MANEUVERING NEAR THE GROUND TO OBSERVE SOME DEER.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A RIDGE WHILE OBSERVING SOME DEER DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8841](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8841-1990-02-23), registration cancelled 1990-02-23, S/N 208 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BENNET SPEZIO TUHOLER (SPEZIO TUH)
- Registry model: [Bennett SPEZIO TUHOLER](https://openairdocs.org/model/bennett-spezio-tuholer) (registry code 0562010) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 208
- Airframe hours: 1171
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Timothy C. King
- Last inspection: Annual, November 5, 1988, 92 hours before
- Departed: 4SD, STEAD, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 987 total, 897 in this make and model, 940 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19891215051489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891215051489A), Dec 15, 1989: Amtrsp SPEZIOTUHOLE, Stead, CA, Destroyed. Struck a ridge while maneuvering low over a deer sighting. .

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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