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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

July 14, 1990 · Cessna A185F · N888BL

Discovery Bay, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 14, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Discovery Bay, CA
Aircraft
Cessna A185F
Tail Number
N888BL
Operator
Richardson John
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA257

THE PILOT WAS DEPARTING DISCOVERY BAY ON A PERSONAL FLIGHT. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AFTER REACHING AN INDICATED AIRSPEED OF 70 MPH, THE PILOT OBSERVED ONCOMING BOATS AND ABRUPTLY PULLED BACK ON THE CONTROL WHEEL EFFECTING A PREMATURE LIFTOFF. THE AIRPLANE RAPIDLY RAISED INTO THE AIR AND STALLED. BEFORE DEPARTING THE PILOT FAILED TO ADEQUATELY LOOK OUT TO SEE IF THE AREA WAS CLEAR OF BOATS.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER VISUAL LOOKOUT TO ASSURE THE AREA WAS CLEAR OF BOATS BEFORE DEPARTING.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT WAS DEPARTING DISCOVERY BAY ON A PERSONAL FLIGHT. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AFTER REACHING AN INDICATED AIRSPEED OF 70 MPH, THE PILOT OBSERVED ONCOMING BOATS AND ABRUPTLY PULLED BACK ON THE CONTROL WHEEL EFFECTING A PREMATURE LIFTOFF. THE AIRPLANE RAPIDLY RAISED INTO THE AIR AND STALLED. BEFORE DEPARTING THE PILOT FAILED TO ADEQUATELY LOOK OUT TO SEE IF THE AREA WAS CLEAR OF BOATS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna A185F
Tail NumberN888BL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichardson John
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats8

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data