# NTSB LAX90LA272: Stinson L-5B, N1718M, Victorville, CA, August 2, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1990, 17:30 local (Aug 2, 1990, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Victorville, CA
- Coordinates: 34.569919, -117.329643 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5699&lon=-117.3296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 10, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26879
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA272
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26879/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA272

## Probable cause

THE OIL GAUGE LINE 'B' NUT BACKED OFF, AND THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - lubricating system,oil line - loose (cause)
  - fluid,oil - leak (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission
  - maneuver - initiated, pilot in command
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

WHILE EN ROUTE TO SANTA PAULA AIRPORT OVER A DESERT AREA, THE PILOT FELT A HOT OIL SPRAY EMANATING FROM BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE ELECTED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE LANDING SITE SELECTED WAS NEAR HIGH TRANSMISSION WIRES, WHICH HE PROBABLY DID NOT SEE UNTIL THE AIRPLANE WAS ON FINAL APPROACH. THE PILOT PULLED THE AIRPLANE'S NOSE UP TO CROSS OVER THE TOP OF THE WIRES AND ALLOWED THE AIRSPEED TO RAPIDLY DECAY. THE AIRPLANE STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THE POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE LINE 'B' NUT HAD BACKED OFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1718M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1718M), registered now, S/N 42-14927 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: STINSON L-5B
- Registry model: [Stinson L-5](https://openairdocs.org/model/stinson-l-5) (registry code 8630202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-435A/0-435C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-435a-0-435c) (registry code 41517, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 42-14927
- Airframe hours: 2701
- Engines: LYCOMING O-435-C 190 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: World Wide Aeronautical Inc.
- Registered owner: World Wide Aeronauticalind
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 17, 1990, 11 hours before
- Departed: APV, APPLE VALLEY, CA
- Destination: SZP, SANTA PAULA, CA
- Airport: VCV, George Afb

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 185 total, 7 in this make and model, 82 as pilot in command, 44 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19900801029459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900801029459A), Aug 1, 1990: Stnson L5, Victorville, CA, Substantial damage. Oil leak in cockpit. Stalled during precautionary landing. Oil line b nut backed off on oil pressure gage.

## Other investigations on N1718M (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 FTW82FQA07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FQA07), Oct 20, 1981: Stinson L-5 (N1718M), Albuquerque, NM, 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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