# NTSB LAX83LA344: Piper PA-28, N5492W, Columbia, CA, July 16, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1983, 16:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Columbia, CA
- Coordinates: 38.109035, -120.380775 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1090&lon=-120.3808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23792
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA344
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23792/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA344

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED A POWERLINE 100 FT ABOVE THE WATER AT NEW MELLONES RESERVOIR. THE ACFT WAS LANDED AT COLUMBIA. CA WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. AN INSPECTION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE TOP PORTION OF THE VERTICAL STABILIZER WAS MISSINGAND THE RUDDER WAS TORN BACKWARDS. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS 600 FT ABOVE THE WATER. HOWEVER, THE ELECTRIC COMPANY VERIFIED THAT THE LINES WERE 100 FT ABOVE THE WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5492W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5492W), registered now, S/N 28-577, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-150) (registry code 7102804) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 577
- Airframe hours: 3303
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cox, David G.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 17, 1983, 99 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 114 total, 69 in this make and model, 63 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19830716032979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830716032979A), Jul 16, 1983: Piper PA28150, Columbia, CA, Substantial damage. Struck wires 100 feet above a lake on a sightseeing flight. Returned to base. Top of vertical stabilizer torn off.

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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