# NTSB LAX91LA316: Jurca MJ5 Sirocco, N239GA, Lake Mathews, CA, July 18, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1991, 20:05 local (Jul 18, 1991, 03:05 UTC)
- Place: Lake Mathews, CA
- Coordinates: 33.890563, -117.440719 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8906&lon=-117.4407&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27294
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA316
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27294/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA316

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL LOW ALTITUDE FLIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH A POWER LINE STATIC CABLE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS INADEQUATE LIGHT CONDITIONS WHICH REDUCED THE PILOT'S ABILITY TO DETECT THE POWER LINE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,static
  - low pass - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly

## Analysis

THE CERTIFICATED STUDENT PILOT, AFTER FUELING HIS AIRCRAFT, INVITED THE NON-CERTIFICATED FUELER TO GO FOR A SHORT FLIGHT TO THE PRACTICE AREA AND BACK.  THE FUELER LEFT THE PUMPS UNATTENDED AND UNLOCKED.  THEY DEPARTED FOUR MINUTES BEFORE OFFICIAL SUNSET.  WITNESS SAW THE AIRCRAFT PERFORMING WHAT APPEARED TO BE AEROBATICS THEN LOST SIGHT OF THEM BEHIND A HILL.  AFTER A TURN IN THE HIGHWAY THEY AGAIN SAW THE AIRCRAFT , BUT IN A NOSEDOWN FAST SPIN IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE.  FAA INSPECTORS STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POWER LINE STATIC CABLE WHICH SEVERED THE ENTIRE EMPENNAGE.  FRIENDS OF THE PILOT STATED THAT HE ENJOYED LOW ALTITUDE CONTOUR FLYING AND THAT THEY HAD WARNED HIM OF THE POWER LINE DANGER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N239GA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N239GA-2012-12-11), registration cancelled 2012-12-11, S/N 239, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: JURCA MJ5 SIROCCO (MJ5 SIROCC)
- Registry model: [Anderson Grant MJ5 SIROCCO-EAGLE](https://openairdocs.org/model/anderson-grant-mj5-sirocco-eagle) (registry code 05613D9) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 239
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Simon E. Richards
- Registered owner: Simon E. Richards
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: CNO, CHINO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 338 total, 18 in this make and model, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 290° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 10 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 19910717032159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910717032159A), Jul 17, 1991: Amtrht SIROCCOMJ5, Lake Mathews, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Observed doing acrobatics. Then in a spin. Struck powerline and tumbled to ground impact. Not rated carry passenger

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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