# NTSB WPR10LA103: Larson RV8, N747CL, Sequim, WA, January 8, 2010 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: January 8, 2010, 14:24 local (22:24 UTC) - Place: Sequim, WA - Coordinates: 48.098056, -123.186943 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.0981&lon=-123.1869&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Maneuvering: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 2 fatal - Status: Completed, report April 12, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 75248 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR10LA103 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/75248/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75248 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10LA103 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering in the traffic pattern, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Larson Carroll B RV8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=056233M), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Larson Carroll B RV8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=056233M), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Ceiling/visibility/precip: low ceiling](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035010): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Not specified; cases with it: [Larson Carroll B RV8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035010/cases.md?model=056233M), [All aircraft, 190 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03035010/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Larson Carroll B RV8, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=056233M), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) ## Analysis The purpose of the flight was to complete a flight review for the owner of the airplane. According to witnesses near the accident site, the airplane had joined the right downwind leg of the traffic pattern for the runway when it subsequently began a steep 60- to 90-degree bank to the right. After completing about one full circle, the airplane banked back to the left, pitched nose-down, and impacted terrain. The wreckage came to rest in a plowed field 1/4 mile north of the airport. Weather observations in the area during the time of the accident indicated wind from the northwest at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles and an overcast ceiling at 700 feet. Examination of the wreckage revealed extensive impact damage throughout the airframe. The forward section of the fuselage, cockpit area and associated instrumentation, were crushed aft to the main wing spar; the wreckage signatures and damage were consistent with a stall and/or spin. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of a system malfunction or failure prior to the impact. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On January 8, 2010, at 1424 Pacific standard time, an experimental amateur-built Larson RV8, N747CL, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain while maneuvering near the Sequim Valley Airport, Sequim, Washington. The airplane was registered to the pilot, and operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The two occupants, the airplane owner/front seat pilot, and the certified flight instructor (seated in the rear seat), were killed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The local flight originated at Port Angeles, Washington, approximately 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot obtained a special visual flight rules (VFR) clearance for the departure at Port Angeles. After departing Port Angeles, the pilot flew to Sequim Valley and completed a landing on runway 090. A witness reported that after the landing, the airplane departed to the west and entered a right downwind for runway 27. Witnesses reported that shortly after joining the downwind, the airplane began a steep, 60-90 degree, bank turn to the right. About 360 degrees into the turn, the airplane banked left, pitched nose-down and impacted terrain. The wreckage came to rest in a plowed field 1/4-mile north of the airport. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Seattle Flight Standards District Office, reported that the purpose of the flight was to conduct a flight review for the airplane owner/front seat pilot. PERSONNEL INFORMATION Pilot/Airplane Owner The front seat pilot, age 68, held an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate with ratings for airplane multi-engine land, and commercial privileges for airplane single engine land. The pilot possessed airline transport pilot type ratings for Boeing 747, McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed 188 Electra airplanes. FAA records indicated that the pilot's most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on December 9, 2009. The medical certificate stipulated that the pilot “must have available glasses for near vision.” The pilot's total flight time was not obtained. Certified Flight Instructor The rear seat pilot, age 61, held an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate with ratings for airplane multi-engine land, and commercial privileges for airplane single engine land and airplane single engine sea. The pilot also held a certified flight instructor (CFI) certificate with airplane single engine land, multi engine land and instrument airplane ratings. FAA records indicated that the pilot's most recent FAA second-class medical certificate was issued on September 17, 2009. The medical certificate stipulated that the pilot “must wear lenses for distant - possess glasses for near vision.” AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The two-seat, low-wing, fixed-gear, Larson, RV-8 experimental amateur-built airplane received a special airworthiness certificate on February 18, 2008. The airplane was equipped withtandem seats and tandem flight controls. It was powered by a Superior XP-IO-360 series engine and equipped with a Hartzell propeller. The NTSB investigator reviewed copies of the maintenance records. The records showed that a conditional inspection was completed on February 8, 2009, at a recorded tachometer time of 141.7 hours. The airframe total time at inspection was 141.7 hours. The records indicated that a 100-hour inspection of the engine was completed on September 21, 2009, at a recorded tachometer time of 239 hours. METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION At 1353, the recorded weather observation at Port Angeles (13 nautical miles west of the accident site) was, in part, winds from 290 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles, overcast ceiling at 700 feet with a surface temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. At 1453, the recorded weather observation was, in part, winds from 300 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles, overcast ceiling at 500 feet with a surface temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. At 1253, the recorded weather observation was, in part, winds from 270 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, broken clouds at 700 feet, overcast clouds at 11,000 feet with a surface temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION Autopsies on the pilot and CFI were performed on January 12, 2010. According to the autopsy reports, the cause of death for both was "multiple injuries/blunt trauma." The FAA’s Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, conducted toxicological testing on the pilot and CFI. The results were negative for tested substances. TESTS AND RESEARCH The wreckage was removed from the accident location and transported to Maple Valley, Washington, for storage and examination. Examination of the wreckage was completed by NTSB investigators and FAA inspectors on January 21, 2010. The examination revealed impact related damage to the frontal, lower and accessory area of the engine. The recovered engine remained attached to the engine mount structure, however, was separated from the airframe. Rocker arm, valve train and accessory gear continuity was established by rotating the engine’s crankshaft by hand. All four cylinders developed pressure when the crankshaft was manually rotated. The spark plugs were removed and normal operating wear patterns were noted. Extensive impact damage was noted throughout the airframe. The forward section of the fuselage, cockpit area and associated instrumentation was extensively fragmented and crushed aft to the main wing spar. The forward and aft control sticks and forward rudder pedals were identified; however, rear rudder pedals were not located and it was not determined if they were installed at the time of the accident. Extensive rearward crushing and deformation was noted throughout the main wing assembly. The ailerons and flaps remained attached to the wing assembly and no anomalies were noted. The empennage was bent forward approximately 100 degrees and waspartially attached to the fuselage. The vertical and horizontal stabilizers were in place and their respective flight controls remained attached. No anomalies were noted. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of an in-flight system malfunction or failure prior to the impact. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N747CL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N747CL-2012-05-09), registration cancelled 2012-05-09, S/N 82431, built 2008 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: LARSON RV8 - Registry model: [Larson Carroll B RV8](https://openairdocs.org/model/larson-carroll-b-rv8) (registry code 056233M) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-360-B1A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-360-b1a) (registry code 41857, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 82431 - Airframe hours: 142 - Engines: LYCOMING XP-IO-360 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Larson Carroll B - Registered owner: Larson Carroll B - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, February 8, 2009 - Departed: W28, Sequim, WA - Destination: W28, Sequim, WA - Airport: W28, Sequim Valley Airport, runway 27L, 3,150 × 40 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; injuries: fatal; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 16,641 total - Flight instructor; age 61; injuries: fatal; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; seat: rear; toxicology performed; flight hours: 11,550 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast - Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 29.89 inHg - Observed at: KCLM, 13 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 20100108025899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100108025899A), Jan 8, 2010: Larson Carr RV8, Sequim, WA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. On January 8, 2010 at 1400 pacific standard time, an experimental amatuer-built Larson RV8, N747CL, substained substantial damage when it impacted terrain… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 22, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=75248. 3.2 MB in all. - Witness Statements (item 1, .PDF, 163 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338862&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Weather Data (item 2, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338397&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Data-Master.PDF - Transcript of Radio Communications (item 3, .PDF, 739 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40339229&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Transcript%20of%20Radio%20Communications-Redacted.PDF - Engine Exam Report (item 4, .PDF, 25 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338863&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Exam%20Report-Master.PDF - Logbook Excerpts (item 5, .PDF, 396 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338869&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Logbook%20Excerpts-Redacted.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 6, .PDF, 32 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338870&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Redacted.PDF - Toxicological Report (Reandeau) (item 7, .PDF, 103 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338393&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report%20(Reandeau)-Master.PDF - Toxicological Report (Larson) (item 8, .PDF, 103 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338394&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Toxicological%20Report%20(Larson)-Master.PDF - Accident Investigation Photos (item 9, .PDF, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40338710&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Investigation%20Photos-Master.PDF 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.