# NTSB LAX84FU028: Pioneer FLT Star, Elk Grove, CA, May 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 19, 1984, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Elk Grove, CA
- Coordinates: 38.439792, -121.299819 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4398&lon=-121.2998&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24017
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FU028
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24017/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FU028

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering
  - ignition system,ignition coil - disconnected (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ULTRALIGHT WAS ON A SOLO TRAINING FLT WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED AS THE VEHICLE PASSED OVER THE RWY. THE STUDENT MADE A SHOLLOW BANK TO THE RIGHT AND DESCENDED INTO AN ADJACENT FIELD WHERE SHE AND THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH SOME BALES OF HAY. THE STUDENT HAD RECEIVED 20 HOURS OF DUAL INSTRUCTION IN A 2 PLACE CESSNA ACFT PRIOR TO HER SOLO FLT IN THE ULTRALIGHT. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE THE IGNITION COIL HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED. THE ULTRALIGHT WAS EQUIPED WITH A BALLISTIC PARACHUTE SYSTEM WHICH WAS NOT DEPLOYED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: UNREG (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIONEER FLT STAR
- Category: Ultralight
- Serial number: 465E
- Airframe hours: 86
- Engines: KAWASAKI 440A 35 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 103
- Operator: Rich Powers Ultra 1
- Registered owner: Wayne Johnson
- Airport: Q40, Sunset Sky Ranch

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: center; flight hours: 20 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

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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