# NTSB LAX03LA012: Piper PA-28-235, N9483W, Van Nuys, CA, October 19, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: October 19, 2002, 10:25 local (17:25 UTC) - Place: Van Nuys, CA - Coordinates: 34.20972, -118.489997 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2097&lon=-118.4900&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 8, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration, Textron- Lycoming - NTSB case key (mKey): 55906 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX03LA012 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/55906/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA012 ## Probable cause fuel starvation due to the pilot's mismanagement of the fuel system and failure to select a tank containing fuel. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - fuel management - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause) - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - berm - Nose over, landing - roll ## Analysis The airplane collided with obstacles and the ground during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff, and during initial climb out, the airplane's engine failed. The pilot attempted to verify the proper operation of the fuel and engine systems, but was unable to determine the source of the problem, and, due to his low altitude, he was focused on finding a suitable emergency landing location. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with obstacles and terrain. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident recalled the pilot stating that one of the two tip tanks was selected at the time of the accident. The inspector examined the airplane on scene and found only residual fuel in the outboard tanks, while fuel remained in the inboard tanks. The inspector opined that insufficient fuel remained in either of the two outboard tanks to supply power to the engine. The inspector drained 1 1/2 ounces of fluid consistent with the appearance and odor of aviation fuel through the carburetor drain plug. The post-accident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. ## Factual narrative On October 19, 2002, about 1025 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235, N9483W, collided with the ground during a forced landing shortly after departing the Van Nuys Airport, Van Nuys, California. Shane Masonry & Concrete, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal local flight originated from Van Nuys with the planned destination of Brackett Field, La Verne, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. During a telephone interview with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator, the pilot stated that shortly after takeoff and during initial climb out, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot verified the position of the fuel selector and engine settings, but was unable to determine the source of the problem. The pilot stated that due to the airplane's low altitude, he was focused on finding a suitable emergency landing location. The pilot added that as he was performing a forced landing, the airplane's main landing gear impacted terrain during landing rollout and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained damage to the landing gear, motor mounts, and propeller. The pilot could not recall the quantity of fuel onboard the airplane at the time of the accident. During a telephone interview with a Safety Board investigator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the accident stated that while examining the wreckage, he noted that the fuel selector was selected to the "OFF" position, consistent with the pilot performing a post accident engine shutdown. The inspector recalled the pilot stating that one of the two tip (outboard) tanks was selected at the time of the accident. While examining the fuel tanks, the inspector found residual fluid, resembling aviation fuel, remaining in both of the two tip tanks. Fuel was found in both inboard tanks. He opined that the amount of fuel found in the outboard tanks was an insufficient supply to power the engine during normal flight maneuvers. The Airplane Flight Manual for the PA28-235 specifies, "take-off should be made on the fullest main tank." During the telephone interview, the inspector added that the fuel inlet line and filter screen were secure and absent of debris, as were the remaining fuel lines located in the engine compartment. The inspector then proceeded to measure the amount of fuel remaining in the carburetor; he drained 1 ½ ounces of fluid consistent with the appearance and odor of aviation fuel via the carburetor drain plug. Under the auspices of the FAA, an investigator from the engine manufacturer, Textron Lycoming, performed an examination of the airplane and engine at hangar facilities located at the Van Nuys airport. In his written report, the engine representative stated that visual examination of the engine revealed no evidence of catastrophic mechanical malfunction or fire. The spark plugs were secure at each position with their respective spark plug lead attached. He removed and examined the top spark plugs. The electrodes displayed coloration consistent with normal operation according to the Champion Spark Plug Check-A-Plug chart AV-27. The Lycoming investigator rotated the crankshaft by hand using the propeller, and it moved easily and rotated freely in both directions. He obtained thumb compression on all six cylinders in proper firing order. During rotation of the crankshaft, he established mechanical continuity throughout the rotating group and accessory section. A borescope inspection revealed no mechanical deformation of the valves, cylinder walls, internal cylinder heads, or pistons. The investigator found the left and right magnetos securely clamped at their respective mounting pad. The magnetos produced spark at their respective spark plug leads during hand rotation; magneto to engine timing was within the manufacturer's specifications. He established electrical continuity from the magnetos to the cockpit mounted ignition switch. The carburetor remained undamaged and securely attached. The carburetor fuel bowl was free of visible contaminates and the float assembly was unrestricted. Throttle and mixture controls remained securely attached, and the investigator established continuity to the cockpit. The induction air filter exhibited no evidence of preimpact obstruction to airflow. The report further stated that removal and examination of the engine driven fuel pump revealed no evidence of internal mechanical malfunction or obstruction to fuel flow. The inspector performed a functional test of the fuel system, noting a steady discharge from the main fuel tanks, consistent with engine operation. The report identified no other discrepancies with the engine. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9483W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9483W), registered now, S/N 28-11221, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-235 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-235) (registry code 7102810) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-11221 - Engines: Lycoming O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Shane Masonry & Concrete Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: KVNY, Van Nuys, CA - Destination: POC, La Verne, CA - Airport: VNY, Van Nuys Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,000 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 240° at 3 knots - Visibility: 5 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: KVNY, 1 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20021019028599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20021019028599A), Oct 19, 2002: Piper PA28235, Van Nuys, CA, Substantial damage. (.19) On October 19, 2002, about 1025 pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235, N9483W, collided with the ground during a forced landed near Van Nuys,… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.