# NTSB LAX91LA340: Champion 7GCBC, N1693G, Lake Elsinore, CA, August 2, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1991, 17:00 local (Aug 2, 1991, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Lake Elsinore, CA
- Location: 33.6681° N, 117.3273° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Lake Elsinore, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6681&lon=-117.3273&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 15, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27313
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA340
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27313/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA340

## Probable cause

THE IN-FLIGHT FAILURE OF THE RIGHT ELEVATOR.  FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO PERFORM AEROBATICS AT AN IMPROPER ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - flt control syst,elevator control attach points - failure,total
  - aerobatics - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED THE PRIVATELY OWNED AIRPORT ON AN ACROBATIC FLIGHT OVER A LAKE.  WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE ENTER INTO A SERIES OF LOOPS AND ROLLS AT LESS THAN 300 FT ABOVE THE GROUND.  WHEN IT ENTERED A HAMMERHEAD STALL MANEUVER THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO SPIN IN A NEAR VERTICAL NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE FROM WHICH IT DID NOT RECOVER.  THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THE LAKE IN THIS ATTITUDE KILLING THE PRIVATE PILOT AND PASSENGER.  EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED THE RIGHT ELEVATOR TUBE FAILED AT ITS BUTT-WELD JOINT WHILE IN FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1693G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1693G-2014-09-10), registration cancelled 2014-09-10, S/N 136, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7GCBC
- Registry model: [Champion 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7gcbc) (registry code 21101PK) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 136
- Airframe hours: 1572
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Halbeisen, John F, doing business as Halbeisen Associates
- Registered owner: Halbeisen, John F
- Last inspection: Annual, September 28, 1990, 23 hours before
- Departed: L49, LAKE ELSINORE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 76; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 32,316 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19910801031099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910801031099A), Aug 1, 1991: Bbavia 7GCBC, Lake Elsinore, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Low level loops and rolls. Entered spin from hammerhead stall. Failed to recover. No altitude waiver. No parachutes.

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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