# NTSB LAX85LA082: Rawdon Bros. T1, N51FM, Phoenix, AZ, December 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 23, 1984, 19:00 local (Dec 24, 1984, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Phoenix, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.460979, -112.050209 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4610&lon=-112.0502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24616
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA082
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24616/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA082

## 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)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent
- In flight collision with object, approach
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PLT PLANNED TO FLY FROM SANTA ANA, CA. TO SCOTTSDALE, AZ. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ACFT HAD ENOUGH FUEL FOR 4 HRS OF FLYING TIME. THE ACFT'S FUEL GAGES ARE LOCATED ON THE WINGS & A FLASHLIGHT IS REQUIRED TO SEE THEM AT NIGHT. THE PLT STATED THAT HE WAS CARRYING AN OPERATIVE FLASHLIGHT, BUT HE DID NOT USE IT TO LOOK AT THE FUEL GAGES BECAUSE HE WAS CERTAIN HIS ACFT CONTAINED ENOUGH FUEL FOR THE FLT. AFTER FLYING FOR ABOUT 3.5 HOURS AND 12 MI FROM THE INTENDED DESTINATION, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING ON A ROAD.ON APPROACH THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE POST-CRASH EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED ITS FUEL TANKS TO BE VIRTUALLY DRY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N51FM](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N51FM-2013-08-15), registration cancelled 2013-08-15, S/N T1-5CS, built 1952 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rawdon Bros. Aircraft T1
- Registry model: [Rawdon T1](https://openairdocs.org/model/rawdon-t1) (registry code 7500102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: T1-5CS
- Airframe hours: 1100
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Rupert G. Carroll
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: SNA, SANTA ANA, CA
- Destination: SDL, SCOTTSDALE, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 300 total, 250 in this make and model, 12 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 10 °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 19841223067739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841223067739A), Dec 23, 1984: Rawdon T1, Phoenix, AZ, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel at night. Struck tree and fence during landing. Near destination on crosscountry flight.

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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