# NTSB LAX90LA115: Piper PA-18, N3765Z, Sonoma Valley, CA, March 13, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 13, 1990, 09:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Sonoma Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 38.240585, -122.459884 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2406&lon=-122.4599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26752
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26752/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA115

## Probable cause

THE PILOTS INABILITY TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING A CRITICAL PHASE OF FLIGHT AFTER EXPERIENCEING A SHIFT IN WIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF A PIPER PA-18 EXPERIENCED A GUST OF WIND FROM THE REAR SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND THERE WAS INSUFFICCIENT ALTITUDE REMAINING FOR HIM TO RECOVER. THE PILOT MADE A LANDING INTO AN IRRIGATION DITCH OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3765Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3765Z), registered now, S/N 18-7528, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-7528
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Best, William
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airport: 0Q3, Schellville, runway 34, 2,200 × 65 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 320 total, 320 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19900313004249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900313004249A), Mar 13, 1990: Piper PA18150, Schellville/Son, CA, Substantial damage. Reported wind gust lifted wing causing a turn off runway alignment on takeoff. Aborted and landed in drainage ditch

## Other investigations on N3765Z (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 SEA79FYM58](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA79FYM58), Aug 18, 1979: Piper PA-18 (N3765Z), Heppner, OR, 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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