# NTSB LAX85FA240: Douglas DC3, N157U, Perris, CA, May 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1985, 19:20 local (May 5, 1985, 02:20 UTC)
- Place: Perris, CA
- Location: 33.7646° N, 117.2190° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at PERRIS VALLEY (L65), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7646&lon=-117.2190&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 33 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24505
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA240
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24505/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA240

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,compliance with ad - not obtained, company maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - separation (cause)
- Fire/explosion, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. THE PILOT MANAGED TO STOP THE AIRCRAFT ON THE RUNWAY AND ALL 31 SKYDIVERS AND THE TWO MEMBER CREW EVACUATED WITHOUT INJURY. THE LEFT ENGINE PROPELLER HAD LOST ONE BLADE WHICH WAS FOUND SEVERAL DAYS LATER 3000 FEET WEST OF THE WRECKAGE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE FOUND TO SUBSTANTIATE COMPLIANCE WITH A MANDATORY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE ON THE PROPELLER BLADE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N157U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N157U-2003-03-06), registration cancelled 2003-03-06, S/N 4132, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DOUGLAS DC3
- Registry model: [Douglas DC3](https://openairdocs.org/model/douglas-dc3) (registry code 3021401) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Wright C9GC&D series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/wright-c9gc-d-series) (registry code 67027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4132
- Airframe hours: 42950
- Engines: WRIGHT R-1820-GC 1200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 125
- Operator: Perris Valley Paracenter
- Registered owner: Bennie E. Conatser
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport
- Last inspection: AAIP, March 1, 1985, 60 hours before
- Airport: L65, Perris Valley, runway 15, 5,000 × 65 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,200 total, 800 in this make and model, 75 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RIV, 16 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 19850504018759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850504018759A), May 4, 1985: Doug DC3, Perris, CA, Destroyed. The aircraft aborted due to left engine fire. A propeller blade failed from a fatigue fracture caused by corrosion

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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