# NTSB SEA89LA070: Consolidated Aeronautics LA-4, N2990P, Yamhill, OR, April 15, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 14, 1989, 18:00 local (Apr 15, 1989, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Yamhill, OR
- Coordinates: 45.359386, -123.240524 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.3594&lon=-123.2405&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40997
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA070
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40997/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA070

## Probable cause

PILOT DISPLAYED POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION FOR THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT DID NOT ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS RESULTING IN AN INTENTIONAL GEAR UP LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Gear not extended, landing - flare/touchdown
  - wheels up landing - intentional, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON DOWNWIND FOR LANDING, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A SEVERE DOWNDRAFT. THE PILOT OPTED TO ABORT THE LANDING AND RETRACTED THE LANDING GEAR. WITH FULL POWER APPLIED THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO DESCEND. THE PILOT DECIDED TO TURN BACK TO THE AIRPORT DUE TO RISING TERRAIN AND INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE. THE PILOT LANDED THE AIRPLANE WITH THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2990P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2990P), registered now, S/N 955, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. LA-4
- Registry model: [Consolidated Aeronautics LAKE LA-4-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/consolidated-aeronautics-lake-la-4-200) (registry code 2400108) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 955
- Airframe hours: 1460
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Christopher C. Michak
- Registered owner: Michak, Christopher C
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 19, 1989, 20 hours before
- Departed: EUG, EUGENE, OR
- Airport: OR05, Flying M, runway 7, 2,125 × 40 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 665 total, 152 in this make and model, 602 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890414008029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890414008029A), Apr 14, 1989: Conaer LA4200, Yamhill, OR, Substantial damage. Encountered downdraft on downwind tried to leave area unable to clear terrain. Landed gear up and slid off runway.

## Other investigations on N2990P (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 WPR10CA322](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA322), Jun 30, 2010: Consolidated Aeronautics Lake LA-4-200 (N2990P), Sequim, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing due to an encounter with sun glare.

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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