# NTSB LAX93LA201: T.R. Bristol RV-6, N15TP, Trinity Center, CA, May 5, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 5, 1993, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Trinity Center, CA
- Coordinates: 41.050464, -122.780555 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0505&lon=-122.7806&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 15, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27967
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA201
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27967/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA201

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILURE TO OBTAIN ENOUGH AIRSPEED FOR TAKEOFF WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND HIS FAILURE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - other

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOLD A FAA SAFETY INSPECTOR THAT HE LIFTED OFF THE GROUND TOO SOON, CAUGHT A GUST OF WIND, DRIFTED OFF THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY AND HIT SOME BRUSH WHILE STILL AIRBORNE.  THE PILOT ESTIMATED THE WINDS AT 4-8 KTS. THE PILOT'S WIFE SAID THAT THERE WAS A GUST OF WIND, AND SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, HER HUSBAND COULD NOT CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT TOLD THE FAA THAT THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION, JUST HIS TECHNIQUE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N15TP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: T.R. BRISTOL RV-6
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 20141
- Airframe hours: 62
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas Reed Bristol
- Registered owner: Thomas Reed Bristol
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 28, 1993, 2 hours before
- Destination: 3S8, GRANTS PASS, OR
- Airport: O86, Trinity Center, runway 14, 3,200 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 451 total, 80 in this make and model, 451 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RDD, 38 nm away

## 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 19930505012289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930505012289A), May 5, 1993: Amtr RV6, Trinity, CA, Substantial damage. Pilot stated he lifted off too soon. Caught a wind gust after liftoff. Drifted off side of runway. Hit brush.

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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