Waco Biplane Down at KSBA

Yet another apparent black eye for Part 91 tour operators:

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...01X00699&key=1

NTSB Identification: LAX05LA186
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, May 22, 2005 in Santa Barbara, CA
Aircraft: Classic Aircraft Corp Waco YMF-5, registration: N181AS
Injuries: 3 Minor.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may
contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when
the final report has been completed.

On May 22, 2005, at 1554 Pacific daylight time, a Classic Aircraft
Corporation Waco YMF-5, N181AS, lost engine power during the
initial climb and collided with terrain at Santa Barbara,
California. Santa Barbara Biplane Tours operated the airplane as a
local area scenic for-hire flight operating within 25 miles of
Santa Barbara under the provisions of 14CFR Part 91. The airline
transport rated pilot and two passengers all received minor
injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual
meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight had been
filed.

The airplane was departing runway 15L. During the initial climb,
about 175 feet above ground level, the pilot declared a "Mayday"
and attempted to reverse course back to the runway. The airplane
came to rest in a slough next to runway 33L.

The term 'company flight' is new to me. Apparently it's a flight plan
filed internally instead of with FSS. A search turned up 'company
flight plan' he
http://66.218.71.225/search/cache?_a... p=1&.intl=us