# NTSB SEA90FA047: Burton Cavalier Model 2, N7131, Grants Pass, OR, February 27, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 26, 1990, 17:20 local (Feb 27, 1990, 01:20 UTC)
- Place: Grants Pass, OR
- Coordinates: 42.529834, -123.340003 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5298&lon=-123.3400&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 12, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41100
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90FA047
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41100/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA047

## Probable cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION WHICH RESULTED FROM THE PILOTS INTENTIONALLY OPERATING THE AIRCRAFT WITH A KNOWN DEFICIENCY. THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, RESULTING IN A STALL/SPIN AND UNCONTROLLED DESCENT.

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOOK OFF ON THE FLIGHT WITHOUT A CAP INSTALLED ON THE RIGHT FUEL TANK. THE ENGINE QUIT WHEN THE SUPPLY OF FUEL WAS EXHAUSTED. THE ACFT STALLED, ENTERED A SPIN, DESCENDED NOSE DOWN AND IMPACTED TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - fuel system,cap - not installed (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7131](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7131-1990-11-20), registration cancelled 1990-11-20, S/N 6864 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BURTON CAVALIER MODEL 2 (CAVALIER M)
- Registry model: [Burton CAVALIER MODEL 2](https://openairdocs.org/model/burton-cavalier-model-2) (registry code 0562096) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 6864
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ray E. France
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Destination: 3S8

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,094 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MFR, 24 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 19900226002879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900226002879A), Feb 26, 1990: Star CAVALIER, Grants Pass, OR, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Out of fuel on a low acrobatic flight,stalled and spun in. Had lost fuel cap. Taped opening. Tape came off.

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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