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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 16, 1992 · Weatherly 620 · N4623E

Stockton, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 16, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Stockton, CA
Aircraft
Weatherly 620
Tail Number
N4623E
Operator
Copple Flying Service
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX92LA350

AFTER COMPLETING AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN THE PILOT ELECTED TO GO UNDER THE HIGH TRANSMISSION WIRES BUT FAILED TO OBSERVE THE LOWER WIRES. THE UPPER SECTION OF THE VERTICAL STABILIZER STRUCK THE LOWER WIRES CAUSING THE VERTICAL STABILIZER AND RUDDER TO SEPARATE. THE PILOT FLEW THE AIRPLANE TO STOCKTON AIRPORT, BUT LANDED SHORT BECAUSE HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER DESCENT RATE. THE PILOT DID NOT INDICATE THAT PRIOR TO COMMENCING THE SWATH RUN THAT HE FLEW OVER THE FIELD TO CHECK FOR OBSTACLES.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND VISUAL LOOKOUT.

Full Narrative

AFTER COMPLETING AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN THE PILOT ELECTED TO GO UNDER THE HIGH TRANSMISSION WIRES BUT FAILED TO OBSERVE THE LOWER WIRES. THE UPPER SECTION OF THE VERTICAL STABILIZER STRUCK THE LOWER WIRES CAUSING THE VERTICAL STABILIZER AND RUDDER TO SEPARATE. THE PILOT FLEW THE AIRPLANE TO STOCKTON AIRPORT, BUT LANDED SHORT BECAUSE HE WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER DESCENT RATE. THE PILOT DID NOT INDICATE THAT PRIOR TO COMMENCING THE SWATH RUN THAT HE FLEW OVER THE FIELD TO CHECK FOR OBSTACLES.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:19 PDT
Nearest AirportSTOCKTON (0nm N)
Runway29L
Runway Length2996 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWeatherly 620
Tail NumberN4623E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCopple Flying Service
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 4 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:20
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data