# NTSB LAX84LA150: Piper PA-38-112, N2492P, Mendota, CA, January 20, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 20, 1984, 15:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Mendota, CA
- Coordinates: 36.670036, -120.450653 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6700&lon=-120.4507&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): 24149
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA150
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24149/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA150

## 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
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - vehicle
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A TRACTOR WHILE THE PLT WAS MAKING A LOW PASS OVER SOME WORKERS IN A TOMATO FIELD. THE PLT SAID HE WAS RETURNING THE RENTED ACFT WHEN HE DECIDED TO MAKE A FINAL CHECK ON THE FIELD WORKERS BEFORE DEPARTING FOR THE DAY. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY MALFUNCTION OF THE ACFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION NOR COULD THE PLT RECALL ANY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2492P (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A1008
- Airframe hours: 2085
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Johnson Aircraft
- Registered owner: Robert Johnson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 1, 1983, 39 hours before
- Departed: MENDOTA, CA
- Destination: FCH, FRESNO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 102 total, 1 in this make and model, 70 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19840120001029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840120001029A), Jan 20, 1984: Piper PA38112, Mendota, CA, Destroyed. Struck a tractor while buzzing tomato field workers. Aircraft cartwheeled after impact. Pilot restraints not used.

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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