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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Hillside After Rolling Inverted During Climb (N3314K)

Vacaville, CA, US

On August 13, 1990, a Globe GC-1B (registration N3314K) operated by R.m. Lundsford, S.r. was involved in an aviation accident near Vacaville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE RESULTING IN AN INFLIGHT ENCOUNTER WITH AN UNFAVORABLE WIND AT A LOW ALTITUDE IN A HILLY TERRAIN. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, the aircraft rolled inverted while turning towards low terrain. Pilot attempted recovery but struck hillside. Owner illegally removed aircraft, preventing examination.

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal. During the initial climb, he executed a heading change toward a low area within the hills. At that time, the aircraft rolled to the left and became inverted. While attempting to recover from this unusual attitude, the aircraft struck the hillside.

Post-Event Actions

The aircraft owner refused access for examination and illegally removed the aircraft from the accident location. Consequently, no inspection or further investigation could be conducted.

Weather Conditions

Winds were reported from 230 degrees at 18 knots, with peak gusts reaching 23 knots. A resident flight examiner described the conditions as very 'choppy'.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Aug 1990 Globe GC-1B accident near Vacaville, CA?

During initial climb, the aircraft rolled inverted while turning towards low terrain. Pilot attempted recovery but struck hillside. Owner illegally removed aircraft, preventing examination.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Aug 1990 involved a Globe GC-1B, registration N3314K, operated by R.m. Lundsford, S.r., at Vacaville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ALTITUDE RESULTING IN AN INFLIGHT ENCOUNTER WITH AN UNFAVORABLE WIND AT A LOW ALTITUDE IN A HILLY TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24051. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.