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NTSB Report
June 24, 1985 · Rolladen-Schneider LS3-A · N31JN
Callahan, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Callahan, CA
Aircraft
Rolladen-Schneider LS3-A
Tail Number
N31JN
Operator
Larry Ferguson
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX85FA293
THE PLT WAS PARTICIPATING IN A X-COUNTRY SOARING COMPETITION. HE RELEASED FROM THE TOW AT 5,000 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL. ABOUT ONE HOUR LATER HE IMFORMED HIS CREW BY RADIO THAT HE HAD COVERED 80 PERCENT OF THE FIRST LEG AND THAT HE WAS 'DOING FINE.' THE FLT DID NOT RETURN AND THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND THE FOLLOWING MORNING 35 MILES SOUTH OF THE DEPARTURE POINT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A PRE-IMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE SAIL-PLANE. THE PLT WAS CERTIFICATED AND QUALIFIED FOR THE FLT. OTHER CONTESTANTS REPORTED THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR WITH STRONG, GUSTY SURFACE WINDS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS PARTICIPATING IN A X-COUNTRY SOARING COMPETITION. HE RELEASED FROM THE TOW AT 5,000 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL. ABOUT ONE HOUR LATER HE IMFORMED HIS CREW BY RADIO THAT HE HAD COVERED 80 PERCENT OF THE FIRST LEG AND THAT HE WAS 'DOING FINE.' THE FLT DID NOT RETURN AND THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND THE FOLLOWING MORNING 35 MILES SOUTH OF THE DEPARTURE POINT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A PRE-IMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE SAIL-PLANE. THE PLT WAS CERTIFICATED AND QUALIFIED FOR THE FLT. OTHER CONTESTANTS REPORTED THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR WITH STRONG, GUSTY SURFACE WINDS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRolladen-Schneider LS3-A
Tail NumberN31JN
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLarry Ferguson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 10 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:55
Weather SourceWFAC