# NTSB LAX85FA169: Smith, Ted Aerostar 601, N777PL, Sepulveda, CA, March 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 6, 1985, 18:58 local (Mar 7, 1985, 02:58 UTC)
- Place: Sepulveda, CA
- Coordinates: 34.229656, -118.470237 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2297&lon=-118.4702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24477
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24477/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA169

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - engine assembly - undetermined (contributing factor)
- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - object - residence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED INTO A RESIDENCE 2 MILES SHORT OF THE RWY AFTER LOSS OF PWR ON THE LEFT ENG. THIS ENG WAS FEATHERED, THE GEAR WAS EXTENDED, BUT THE FLAPS REMAINED UP AS THE ACFT CONTINUED THE LNDG APPROACH. POST ACC INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO IRREGULARITIES IN THE FUNCTIONING OF THE ACFT. THE PLT HAD RADIOED THE REPORT OF PWR LOSS BUT HAD STATED THAT HE WOULD NOT NEED THE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N777PL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N777PL-2014-11-19), registration cancelled 2014-11-19, S/N 61-0334-111, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Smith, Ted Aerostar 601
- Registry model: [Smith AEROSTAR 601](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-aerostar-601) (registry code 8360606) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 61-0334-111
- Airframe hours: 1490
- Engines: LYCOMING I0-540-51A5 290 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Wild Blue, Ltd.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 20, 1984
- Departed: SNA, SANTA ANA, CA
- Destination: VNY, VAN NUYS, CA
- Airport: VNY, Van Nuys

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,820 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 220° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY, 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 19850306008569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850306008569A), Mar 6, 1985: Piper PA60601, Sepulveda, CA, Destroyed. Left engine failed on downwind. During turn to final at low altitude control was lost. Impacted a house and burned.

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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