# NTSB LAX84FA045: Piper PA-32-260, N15039, Riverside, CA, November 4, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 3, 1983, 19:35 local (Nov 4, 1983, 03:35 UTC)
- Place: Riverside, CA
- Coordinates: 33.900909, -117.399185 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9009&lon=-117.3992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23900
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA045
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23900/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA045

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - separation (cause)
  - lubricating system,oil pressure pump - foreign object (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - utility pole

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTURE THE PLT RADIOED IN THAT HE HAD BLOWN A ROD 'OR SOMETHING' AND WAS ABOUT TWO MILES OUT ON A RIGHT BASE LEG. HE THEN INFORMED THE TOWER THAT HE WAS NOT GOING TO MAKE THE RUNWAY AFTER WHICH THE LEFT WING CONTACTED A POWER POLE AND THE ACFT EXPLODED ON IMPACT. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED FOREIGN DEBRIS IN THE OIL PUMP AND THE NUMBER SIX CONNECTING ROD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE CRANKSHAFT. THE RESPECTIVE END CAP HAD COME APART FROM THE CONNECTING ROD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N15039](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N15039-1992-04-10), registration cancelled 1992-04-10, S/N 327300001 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-7300001
- Airframe hours: 1912
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert J. Newstat
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1983
- Departed: RAL
- Destination: L35, BIG BEAR CITY, CA
- Airport: RAL, Riverside Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,500 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RAL, 2 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 19831103056259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831103056259A), Nov 3, 1983: Piper PA32260, Riverside, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Engine problem shortly after leaving airport area. Tried to return but struck a power pole on night forced 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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