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NTSB Report
March 5, 1983 · Thorp T-18 · N3124
Simi, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 5, 1983
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Simi, CA
Aircraft
Thorp T-18
Tail Number
N3124
Operator
Eric J Shaw & Associates
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX83FA124
THE ACFT CRASHED IN A SCHOOL PLAYGROUND IN A STEEP UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. WITNESSES SAID THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED IN A 60 DEGREE NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE AT ABOUT 1000 FT AGL AND THIS CONTINUED UNTIL GROUND IMPACT. THE ENGINE WAS PRODUCING HIGH POWER AT THIS TIME. NO WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT BEFORE THE DIVE. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE COCKPIT CONTROL STICK HAD FAILED AND THE AILERON AND STABILATOR CROSS-BAR RIGHT MOUNTING POST TUBE WELDED AREA FAILED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. A PRE-EXISTING CRACK HAD EXISTED FOR SOME TIME ON THE CROSS-BAR TUBE WHEN THIS TUBE FAILED THE FLT CONTROLS JAMMED WHICH PREVENTED THE PLT FROM CONTROLLING THE ACFT.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT CRASHED IN A SCHOOL PLAYGROUND IN A STEEP UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. WITNESSES SAID THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED IN A 60 DEGREE NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE AT ABOUT 1000 FT AGL AND THIS CONTINUED UNTIL GROUND IMPACT. THE ENGINE WAS PRODUCING HIGH POWER AT THIS TIME. NO WITNESSES SAW THE ACFT BEFORE THE DIVE. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE COCKPIT CONTROL STICK HAD FAILED AND THE AILERON AND STABILATOR CROSS-BAR RIGHT MOUNTING POST TUBE WELDED AREA FAILED PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. A PRE-EXISTING CRACK HAD EXISTED FOR SOME TIME ON THE CROSS-BAR TUBE WHEN THIS TUBE FAILED THE FLT CONTROLS JAMMED WHICH PREVENTED THE PLT FROM CONTROLLING THE ACFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftThorp T-18
Tail NumberN3124
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorEric J Shaw & Associates
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 19 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNr
Wind170° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:45
Weather SourceWFAC