Casualties unknown

Rudder Control Failure Leads to Spin and Crash Near Calistoga Airport (N2450W)

Calistoga, CA, US

On September 10, 1982, a Schweizer 232 (registration N2450W) operated by Calistoga Soaring was involved in an aviation accident near Calistoga, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of rudder control which led to a spin. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed approximately three miles southwest of Calistoga Airport while returning from a local flight after the pilot lost rudder control and entered a spin.

What happened

The aircraft crashed approximately three miles southwest of the Calistoga Airport while the pilot was returning from a local flight. Upon arrival at the scene, a California Highway Patrol officer spoke with the pilot, who stated that he had lost rudder control and subsequently entered a spin as a result.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and found that the rudder cables were intact. However, the rudder had moved to the break point of the fuselage, indicating a significant mechanical failure or displacement during the crash sequence.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of rudder control which led to a spin.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Sept 1982 Schweizer 232 accident near Calistoga, CA?

An aircraft crashed approximately three miles southwest of Calistoga Airport while returning from a local flight after the pilot lost rudder control and entered a spin.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Sept 1982 involved a Schweizer 232, registration N2450W, operated by Calistoga Soaring, at Calistoga, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of rudder control which led to a spin.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04775. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.