# NTSB LAX91LA283: Boeing E75, N68809, San Luis Obispo, CA, June 30, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 30, 1991, 09:38 local (16:38 UTC)
- Place: San Luis Obispo, CA
- Coordinates: 35.249031, -120.619239 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2490&lon=-120.6192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27266
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA283
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27266/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA283

## Probable cause

THAT THE PILOT FAILED TO PROPERLY COMPENSATE OF THE EXISTING QUARTERING TAILWIND, IMPROPERLY USING THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND BRAKES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - brakes(normal) - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD MADE ONE LANDING AND TAKEOFF ON THE 4800 FT LONG AND 100 FT WIDE RUNWAY.  WHEN ON THE DOWNWIND LEG THE SURFACE WINDS SHIFTED TO A QUARTERING TAILWIND.  THE LOCAL CONTROLLER DID NOT ADVISE THE PILOT OF THE WIND CHANGE AND CLEARED THE FLIGHT TO LAND.  UPON TOUCH DOWN THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED AND NOSED OVER.  THE PILOT IMPROPERLY USED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS AND BRAKES TO ARREST THE GROUND LOOP.  EXAMINATION OF THE BRAKES AND TAILWHEEL ASSEMBLY DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N68809](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N68809), registered now, S/N 75-8414, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BOEING E75
- Registry model: [Boeing E75](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-e75) (registry code 1380120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-8414
- Engines: LYCOMING R-680-B4E 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Stephen L. Tobin
- Registered owner: Stephen L. Tobin
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: SBP, San Luis Obispo, runway 29, 4,800 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 397 total, 48 in this make and model, 397 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19910630024829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910630024829A), Jun 30, 1991: Boeing E75N1, San Luis Obispo, CA, Substantial damage. Wind shift to tailwind landing. Lost control. Ground looped. Nosed over. Tower failed advise wind shift.

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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