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NTSB Report
April 22, 1989 · Stinson 108 · N97169
Avalon, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 1989
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Avalon, CA
Aircraft
Stinson 108
Tail Number
N97169
Operator
Waterman David K
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA168
WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. THE AIRPLANE LOST ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT OPTED TO GO-AROUND. A RIGHT TURN WAS MADE, DURING WHICH THE AIRPLANE LOST MORE ALTITUDE AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT OF CESSNA THAT LANDED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE N97169 STATED THAT THE UNICOM OPERATOR REPORTED POSSIBLE DOWNDRAFTS ON FINAL APPROACH. WHILE ON FINAL THE PILOT DID ENCOUNTER THESE DOWNDRAFTS BUT WAS ABLE TO LAND SUCCESSFULLY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE DOWNDRAFTS HE ENCOUNTERED AND THE DELAY IN HIS DECISION TO PERFORM A GO-AROUND.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT. THE AIRPLANE LOST ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT OPTED TO GO-AROUND. A RIGHT TURN WAS MADE, DURING WHICH THE AIRPLANE LOST MORE ALTITUDE AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT OF CESSNA THAT LANDED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE N97169 STATED THAT THE UNICOM OPERATOR REPORTED POSSIBLE DOWNDRAFTS ON FINAL APPROACH. WHILE ON FINAL THE PILOT DID ENCOUNTER THESE DOWNDRAFTS BUT WAS ABLE TO LAND SUCCESSFULLY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 PDT
Nearest AirportCATALINA (0nm N)
Runway22
Runway Length3240 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftStinson 108
Tail NumberN97169
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWaterman David K
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsFranklin · 6A4-150-B3 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO