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NTSB Report
April 13, 1984 · Sturges BD-5B · N42273
Mckinleyville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 13, 1984
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Mckinleyville, CA
Aircraft
Sturges BD-5B
Tail Number
N42273
Operator
1
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX84FA253
AFTER THE ACFT TOOK OFF, WITNESSES OBSERVED IT ENTER A LEFT TURN, PITCH NOSE UP, THEN ENTER A ROLLING/VERTICAL DESCENT & IMPACT AT THE EDGE OF A SURF. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE & ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT/PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. A TEST PLT REPORTED THAT IN SPIN TESTS AT 10,000 FT, THE ACFT REQUIRED UP TO 2000 FT FOR RECOVERY.
Full Narrative
AFTER THE ACFT TOOK OFF, WITNESSES OBSERVED IT ENTER A LEFT TURN, PITCH NOSE UP, THEN ENTER A ROLLING/VERTICAL DESCENT & IMPACT AT THE EDGE OF A SURF. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE & ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT/PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. A TEST PLT REPORTED THAT IN SPIN TESTS AT 10,000 FT, THE ACFT REQUIRED UP TO 2000 FT FOR RECOVERY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:32 PST
Nearest AirportARCATA (0nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length5998 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSturges BD-5B
Tail NumberN42273
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operator1
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHonda · CIVIC EB3 · Reciprocating · 70
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:35
Weather SourceWFAC