# NTSB LAX90DXQ02: Leffler/Mcfarlane LM-1, N9646Z, Sierraville, CA, July 30, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 30, 1990, 13:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Sierraville, CA
- Coordinates: 39.57027, -120.339744 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5703&lon=-120.3397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26589
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90DXQ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26589/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90DXQ02

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID A TREE DURING HIS LANDING APPROACH.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - no thermal lift (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A GLIDER WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY LIFT GENERATION AND ELECTED TO LAND IN A MEADOW. DURING THE APPROACH HIS RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A TREE AND PITCHED DOWN. THE GLIDER COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AND WAS DESTROYED. THE PILOT REPORTED NO FLIGHT CONTROL PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9646Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9646Z-2014-11-24), registration cancelled 2014-11-24, S/N 1, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LEFFLER/MCFARLANE LM-1
- Registry model: [Leffler/Macfarlane LM-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/leffler-macfarlane-lm-1) (registry code 05603UT) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider, amateur-built
- Serial number: LM-1
- Airframe hours: 400
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William C. Meyer
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: TRK, TRUCKEE, CA
- Destination: TRK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 3,200 total, 400 in this make and model, 2,600 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F

## 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 19900730029199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900730029199A), Jul 30, 1990: Fuji LM1, Sierraville, CA, Destroyed. Unable to find lift on crosscountry flight. Elected land. Changed sites at low altitude. Hit tree and cattle chute

## Other investigations on N9646Z (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX69D0264](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX69D0264), Mar 2, 1969: Leffler LM-1 (N9646Z), La Jolla, CA, substantial damage

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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