Tailwind W-8 accident near San Pedro, CA
On January 31, 2004, a Tailwind W-8 (airplane) was involved in an accident near San Pedro, CA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- January 31, 2004
- Place
- San Pedro, CA
- Aircraft
- Tailwind W-8 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 33.701°N, 118.274°W
- NTSB ID
- 20040205X00164
Official records · LAX04LA110
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On January 31, 2004, about 0945 Pacific standard time, an experimental Tailwind W-8, N192S, operated by the pilot, experienced an in-flight loss of control and impacted the ocean near San Pedro, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the airplane was destroyed. The personal local flight departed Compton/Woodley Airport, Compton, California, at an unknown time. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. In a telephone interview with a Safety Board investigator, Coast Guard personnel stated that they received a report of an aircraft crash in the Pacific Ocean, near Carbrillo Break. After initiating a search, they discovered the wreckage several hours later, where it was submerged about 45 feet below the ocean surface. Witnesses reported to the Coast Guard that they observed the airplane in a shallow descent, which continued until the airplane impacted the water. One witness remarked that it appeared that the airplane was landing in the water; the witness did not observe any attempt by the pilot to egress after it came to a stop in the water and began to sink. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot was a retired airline captain and held an airline transport pilot certificate, with several type ratings for a variety of jetliners. The pilot's personal flight records were not provided to the Safety Board investigator for examination. In an application for an aviation medical certificate in July 2003, the pilot r
Probable cause
The pilot's incapacitation during descent, which resulted in a loss of control and an in-flight collision with water.
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Browse: California
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
