# NTSB LAX83LA318: Piper PA-28-180, N7593W, Clearlake, CA, July 2, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1983, 13:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Clearlake, CA
- Coordinates: 38.880382, -122.549415 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8804&lon=-122.5494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23775
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA318
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23775/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA318

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED IN A FLAT AREA COVERED WITH 6 FT BUSHES AFTER THE ENGINE QUIT DURING A GO-AROUND. THE ENGINE HAD QUIT ON THE DOWNWIND AND STARTED AGAIN AFTER THE PLT SWITCHED TANKS. THE ACFT WAS HIGH ON FINAL AND AFTER GO-AROUND WAS INITIATED THE ENGINE QUIT AGAIN. THE ACFT CRASHED OFF THE ARPT. AN ACCIDENT PREVENTION SPECIALIST FROM THE ARPT SAID HE INSPECTED THE FUEL TANKS AND NOTED THAT THEY WERE EMPTY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7593W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7593W-2013-05-08), registration cancelled 2013-05-08, S/N 28-1543, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-1543
- Airframe hours: 2100
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A3A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ken Collins
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 27, 1983
- Departed: V1S, VISALIA, CA
- Destination: 209, PEARCE, CA
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: 209, Clearlake Pearce

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 119 total, 18 in this make and model, 70 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: UKI

## 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 19830702028219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830702028219A), Jul 2, 1983: Piper PA28180, Clearlake, CA, Destroyed. Engine quit on VFR approach to airport from fuel exhaustion. Crash occurred during emergency landing.

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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