# NTSB LAX84LA233: Piper PA-28, N82858, Novato, CA, March 29, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 28, 1984, 19:15 local (Mar 29, 1984, 03:15 UTC)
- Place: Novato, CA
- Coordinates: 38.100326, -122.629272 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.1003&lon=-122.6293&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24214
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA233
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24214/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA233

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS DITCHED IN SAN PABLO BAY FOLLOWING A POWER LOSS DURING X-COUNTRY CRUISE FLT. THE PLT ADMITTED 'TO RUNNING OUT OF FUEL.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: N82858 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 82858
- Airframe hours: 421
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mr. & Mrs. J. Rutigliano
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ONT, ONTARIO, CA
- Destination: 056, GNOSS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 247 total, 35 in this make and model, 180 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 340° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 48 °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 19840328008919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840328008919A), Mar 28, 1984: Piper PA28181, Novato, CA, Substantial damage. Crash occurred during emergency landing in bay after engine quit from fuel exhaustion.

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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