# NTSB LAX96LA292: Waco UPF7, N29974, Payson, AZ, July 30, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 30, 1996, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC) - Place: Payson, AZ - Coordinates: 34.189529, -111.1697 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1895&lon=-111.1697&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 4, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29525 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX96LA292 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29525/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96LA292 ## Probable cause the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on touchdown and the landing ground roll. ## 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 - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, go-around (vfr) - terrain condition - ditch - Main gear collapsed, landing - roll - landing gear,main gear strut - overload ## Analysis While on final approach and touchdown the pilot did not maintain adequate peripheral vision, lost directional control, and ran off the left side of the runway. He attempted a go-around but the aircraft struck an open trench. The left main gear collapsed which allowed the left wing and propeller to strike the ground. There were no reported mechanical problems. ## Factual narrative On July 30, 1996, about 0830 hours mountain standard time, a Waco UPF7, N29974, ran off the runway, struck an obstruction and ground looped while landing at Payson Airport, Payson, Arizona. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; however, neither the commercial pilot nor his passenger/mechanic was injured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight when the accident occurred. The flight originated in Payson about 0815 on the day of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that he and his mechanic were performing a maintenance test flight after an engine overhaul. While on final approach to runway 24, the pilot did not maintain adequate peripheral vision, lost directional control, and ran off the left side of the runway. He attempted a go-around but the aircraft struck an open trench causing it to abruptly yaw about 120 degrees. The left main gear then collapsed which allowed the left wing and propeller to strike the ground. After the accident the aircraft was moved to a hangar on the Payson airport. A postaccident inspection conducted by an airworthiness inspector found damage to the left wing spars. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N29974](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N29974), registered now, S/N 5471, built 1940 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Waco UPF7 - Registry model: [Waco UPF-7](https://openairdocs.org/model/waco-upf-7) (registry code 9601302) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Jacobs L4 /R755-7](https://openairdocs.org/engine/jacobs-l4-r755-7) (registry code 35003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 5471 - Airframe hours: 4851 - Engines: Jacobs L4/R755-7 245 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 91 - Registered owner: Albert Michael Clearman - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 26, 1996 - Departed: E69 - Airport: E69, Payson Airport, runway 24, 5,500 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 3,524 total, 5 in this make and model, 3,391 as pilot in command, 66 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 60 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 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 19960730020219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960730020219A), Jul 30, 1996: Waco UPF7, Payson, AZ, Substantial damage. Test flight after tbo. Ran off left side runway landing. Damaged wing spars. Maintaining alignment insuficient. ## Other investigations on N29974 (1) 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. - [NTSB MKC76DTK04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC76DTK04), Aug 30, 1975: Waco UPF-7 (N29974), N Sioux City, SD, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.