# NTSB SEA90LA011: I.C.A. Brasov IS-28B2, N72598, Chilcoot, CA, November 4, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 4, 1989, 15:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Chilcoot, CA
- Coordinates: 39.749866, -120.059791 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7499&lon=-120.0598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41143
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41143/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA011

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A DOWN DRAFT AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPEREINCE IN THIS AIRCRAFT TYPE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE FLYING OVER A MOUNTAIN RIDGELINE, THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED DOWNDRAFTS AND LOSS OF LIFT. HE ELECTED TO LAND AT A PRESELECTED OFF AIRPORT LANDING SITE AT THE BASE OF THE RIDGELINE. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED TERRAIN WHILE HE WAS MANEUVERING IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR LANDING AT THE SITE. HE HAD 3.7 HOURS PIC FLT TIME IN THE IS-28B2 GLIDER WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N72598](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N72598-1990-10-30), registration cancelled 1990-10-30, S/N 83 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: I.C.A. Brasov IS-28B2 (IS28-B2)
- Registry model: [I.C.A.-Brasov IS-28B2](https://openairdocs.org/model/i-c-a-brasov-is-28b2) (registry code 4490102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 83
- Airframe hours: 323
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Christopher Uebel
- Registered owner: Christopher W Uebel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, June 3, 1989, 8 hours before
- Departed: 4SD, RENO, NV
- Destination: 4SD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 748 total, 8 in this make and model, 616 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RNO, 20 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 19891104044349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891104044349A), Nov 4, 1989: Brasov IS28B2, Chilcoot, CA, Destroyed. Trying for off airport landing, encountered downdraft near ridge. Struck trees.

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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