# NTSB LAX82DA284: Piper PA-28R, N3935T, San Pedro, CA, July 31, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1982, 13:05 local (20:05 UTC)
- Place: San Pedro, CA
- Coordinates: 33.730583, -118.290176 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7306&lon=-118.2902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 31, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72509
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82DA284
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72509/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82DA284

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

PILOT WAS FLYING NEAR CATALINA ISLAND AND WHEN HE SWITCHED TANKS THE ENGINE QUIT. PROCEDURES TO RESTART DID NOT WORK SO AIRCRAFT WAS DITCHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3935T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3935T-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 28R-30276, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-180) (registry code 7102809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-30276
- Airframe hours: 2700
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles M. Franz
- Registered owner: Charles M. Franz
- Departed: TOA, TORRANCE, CA
- Destination: TOA, TORRANCE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 800 total, 200 in this make and model, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 180 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LGB

## 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 19820731033759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820731033759A), Jul 31, 1982: Piper PA28R180, San Pedro, CA, Destroyed. Engine quit while switching fuel tanks. Ditched in ocean. Aircraft had sat out for 3 months prior to this flight.

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.

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