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Casualties unknown

Portable Transceiver Use Precedes Accident Near Oceanside Airport (N5052Z)

Oceanside, CA, US

On October 29, 1990, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N5052Z) operated by Vanderheide, Richard J. was involved in an aviation accident near Oceanside, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT INITIATING AN INSTRUMENT FLIGHT WITHOUT OPERATING AIR/GROUND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE AFTER APPARENTLY DECIDING TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After landing earlier in the day, the pilot noted the airplane's comm radio was inoperative and used a portable transceiver. Concerned about battery charge, he departed at 2130 with family. He called FSS by phone but did not contact ATC after takeoff. Wreckage was found 1/2 mile north of the airport, with evidence of impact with a ridge in a right-wing-low, nose-down attitude on a heading of 080 degrees, consistent with a course reversal.

Background

The pilot had landed at Oceanside earlier in the day. During the previous flight, the pilot remarked that the airplane's comm radio was inoperative and that he was using a portable transceiver to communicate with air traffic control. After leaving the airport for dinner, the pilot also remarked that he had left the transceiver 'on' and that he was concerned about the radio's battery charge.

Departure

At 2130, the pilot and his family were driven back to the airport for departure. The pilot contacted Flight Service Station (FSS) by telephone for a weather briefing and to file a flight plan. After takeoff, the pilot did not contact ATC.

Wreckage and Evidence

The wreckage was located in a canyon 1/2 mile north of the airport. On-scene evidence disclosed that the airplane initially struck a ridge while in a right wing low, nose-down attitude on a heading of 080 degrees. This is consistent with a course reversal immediately after takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24480. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.