# NTSB LAX91FA156: Herbert W. Ross RV-4, N45EM, Santa Paula, CA, April 3, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1991, 11:24 local (19:24 UTC)
- Place: Santa Paula, CA
- Coordinates: 34.399765, -119.070373 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3998&lon=-119.0704&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26992
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91FA156
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26992/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91FA156

## Probable cause

THAT THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY SELECTED THE WRONG FUEL TANK AND THE PASSENGER INTERFERED WITH THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WHEN THE SEAT BACK FAILED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - single engine aircraft
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - control interference - inadvertent, passenger (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - vehicle

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF ON RUNWAY 22 THE TANDEM SEATING AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER FOLLOWED BY THE AIRPLANE'S NOSE PITCHING UP RAPIDLY AND THEN STALL.  THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A GOLF CART AND BURST INTO FLAMES. BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE KILLED FROM THE RESULTING POST IMPACT FIRE. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT ONLY THE PILOT WAS OBSERVED AT THE TIME THE AIRPLANE PITCHED UP.  THE PILOT WAS FOUND LYING FORWARD AND THE REAR SEAT OCCUPANT WAS LYING SUPINE PARTLY IN THE AFT FUSELAGE.  EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER'S SEAT FAILED IN A REARWARD DIRECTION AND THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE WAS SELECTED TO THE OFF POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N45EM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N45EM-1992-08-14), registration cancelled 1992-08-14, S/N 29 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HERBERT W. ROSS RV-4
- Registry model: [Sauls Hunter A JR RV-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/sauls-hunter-a-jr-rv-4) (registry code 056086C) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 29
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-E2 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: S. K. Franks
- Registered owner: S. K. Franks
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, December 1, 1990
- Airport: SZP, Santa Paula, runway 22, 2,650 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 15,000 total, 5 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19910403008239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910403008239A), Apr 3, 1991: Amtrvn VANSRV4, Santa Paula, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Pitched up on takeoff. Stalled,impacted flat and burned. Fuel off. Passenger and rear seat back in aft fuselage.

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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