# NTSB LAX90LA257: Cessna A185F, N888BL, Discovery Bay, CA, July 14, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 14, 1990, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Discovery Bay, CA
- Coordinates: 37.850475, -121.619354 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.8505&lon=-121.6194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26868
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA257
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26868/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA257

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER VISUAL LOOKOUT TO ASSURE THE AREA WAS CLEAR OF BOATS BEFORE DEPARTING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, takeoff - roll/run
  - visual lookout - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS DEPARTING DISCOVERY BAY ON A PERSONAL FLIGHT. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AFTER REACHING AN INDICATED AIRSPEED OF 70 MPH, THE PILOT OBSERVED ONCOMING BOATS AND ABRUPTLY PULLED BACK ON THE CONTROL WHEEL EFFECTING A PREMATURE LIFTOFF. THE AIRPLANE RAPIDLY RAISED INTO THE AIR AND STALLED. BEFORE DEPARTING THE PILOT FAILED TO ADEQUATELY LOOK OUT TO SEE IF THE AREA WAS CLEAR OF BOATS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N888BL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N888BL), registered now, S/N 18503257, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA A185F
- Registry model: [Cessna A185F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-a185f) (registry code 2072821) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18503257
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richardson, John
- Registered owner: Richardson, John R
- Destination: LAKE SHASTA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 191 total, 38 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 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 19900714025879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900714025879A), Jul 14, 1990: Cessna A185F, Discovery Bay, CA, Substantial damage. On water takeoff saw boats ahead pulled back on yoke came off nose high and stalled falling back to water.

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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