# NTSB LAX91LA099: Walter Chandler Phoenix, N2027C, Cayucos, CA, January 25, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 25, 1991, 12:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Cayucos, CA
- Coordinates: 35.480735, -120.919151 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4807&lon=-120.9192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27113
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA099
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27113/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA099

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN AND HIS MISJUDGMENT OF THE PROPER TOUCH DOWN POINT FOLLOWING THE PILOT'S DECISION TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS AN IN-FLIGHT SEPARATION OF THE TRIM TAB ROD FROM THE TRIM TAB, PRODUCING AN UNUSUAL VIBRATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - flt control syst,elevator trim/tab control - fractured (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper touchdown point - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING CRUISE FLIGHT IN AN EXPERIMENTAL HOME BUILT AIRPLANE, THE PRIVATE PILOT FELT A VIBRATION IN THE CONTROL STICK. THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A AREA OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN, MISJUDGED THE LANDING APPROACH TO A FIELD AND COLLIDED WITH A HILL. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DISCLOSED THAT THE TRIM TAB ADJUSTING ROD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE TRIM TAB, ALLOWING THE TAB TO VIBRATE IN THE SLIPSTREAM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2027C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2027C), registered now, S/N 31200H (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: WALTER CHANDLER PHOENIX
- Registry model: [Chandler Walter W PHOENIX](https://openairdocs.org/model/chandler-walter-w-phoenix) (registry code 05616NW) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 31200H
- Engines: HONDA 1324 C.C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gregory C. O'Kelly
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: SBP, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 232 total, 26 in this make and model, 164 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °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 19910125001009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910125001009A), Jan 25, 1991: Amtr PHENIX, Cayucos, CA, Substantial damage. Vibrations in control stick and elevator trim light on. Elected to land overshot field. Elevator trim rod failed.

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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