# NTSB LAX91FA094: Boeing N2S-3, N1065M, Sonoma, CA, February 9, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 9, 1991, 15:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Sonoma, CA
- Coordinates: 38.240013, -122.459915 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2400&lon=-122.4599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26976
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91FA094
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26976/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA094

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND/CFI'S PERFORMANCE OF A LOW ALTITUDE AEROBATIC MANEUVER FROM WHICH HE FAILED TO RECOVER. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT RELATED TO THE PIC'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION, POOR JUDGMENT, AND HIS PSYCHOLOGICAL CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - intentional, pilot in command(cfi)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - maneuver - excessive, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - pull-up - not attained, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - other psychological condition, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AIRLINE CAPTAIN TOOK A 414-HOUR PRIVATE PILOT FOR AN AIRPLANE RIDE DURING WHICH A SERIES OF LOW LEVEL AEROBATIC MANEUVERS WERE PERFORMED. WITNESSES DESCRIBED THE MANEUVERS AS BEING WING OVERS AND/OR LOOPS, AND THEY WERE PERFORMED AT PROGRESSIVELY LOWER ALTITUDES. THE PILOT(S) FAILED TO PULL OUT OF THE FINAL MANEUVER, AND THE DUAL CONTROL AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE FIELD WHILE IN A WINGS LEVEL AND A 60 DEGREE NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED EVIDENCE OF STRESSFUL EVENTS IN THE PILOT'S PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE. ALSO, CANNABINOID METABOLITE WAS FOUND IN HIS URINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1065M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1065M-2026-07-05), registration cancelled 2026-07-05, S/N 75-7675, built 1944 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING N2S-3
- Registry model: [Boeing N2S-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-n2s-3) (registry code 1380146) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental W670 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-w670-series) (registry code 17018, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-7675
- Engines: CONTINENTAL W670-6 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: G.H. Friesen & C. Prevost
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; airline transport, flight instructor, flight engineer; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 23,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19910209001839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910209001839A), Feb 9, 1991: Boeing N2S3, Schellville/Son, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Observed flying low and acrobatics at low altitude. Failed to recover from wing over. Impacted and burned.

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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