# NTSB LAX84LA356: Piper PA-28R-180, N4634J, Fair Oaks, CA, June 18, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 17, 1984, 17:00 local (Jun 18, 1984, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Fair Oaks, CA
- Coordinates: 38.650016, -121.25045 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6500&lon=-121.2505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24313
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA356
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24313/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA356

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - maintenance - inadequate (cause)
  - landing gear,normal brake system - worn (cause)
  - fluid,hydraulic - leak
  - landing gear,normal brake system - inoperative
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - ground loop/swerve - performed, pilot in command
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

ACFT TOUCHED DOWN BEYOND THE THRESHOLD AT A NORMAL AIRSPEED. PLT RAISED THE FLAPS AND APPLIED BRAKES BUT THE LEFT BRAKE BOTTOMED OUT WITH NO RESISTANCE. AN INTENTIONAL GROUND LOOP WAS PERFORMED TO STOP THE ACFT. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT ALLTHE BRAKE PADS WERE WORN DOWN PAST THE MINIMUM SERVICE LIMITS. THE 'O' RING SEAL IN THE LEFT BRAKE CALIPER POPPED OUT, HYDRAULIC FLUID WAS RELEASED AND THE BRAKE BECAME NONFUNCTIONAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4634J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4634J-2018-01-23), registration cancelled 2018-01-23, S/N 28R-30522, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-180) (registry code 7102809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-30522
- Airframe hours: 2593
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michael T. Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 27, 1983, 129 hours before
- Departed: 011, FAIR OAKS, CA
- Destination: 011, FAIR OAKS, CA
- Airport: 011, Phoenix Field, runway 18, 2,590 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 113 total, 113 in this make and model, 82 as pilot in command, 68 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19840617026609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840617026609A), Jun 17, 1984: Piper PA28R180, Fair Oaks, CA, Substantial damage. Brakes malfunctioned during landing and pilot deliberately ground looped airplane to stop.

## Other investigations on N4634J (1)

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.

- [NTSB FTW04LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA191), Jul 13, 2004: Piper PA-28R-180 (N4634J), Blackwell, OK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision by his delay in taking corrective action during the landing roll.

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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