# NTSB LAX85LA157: Piper PA-32RT-300T, N21780, Apple Valley, CA, February 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 26, 1985, 16:00 local (Feb 27, 1985, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Apple Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.569252, -117.150962 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5693&lon=-117.1510&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24664
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA157
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24664/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA157

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT DURING INITIAL CLIMB, THE ENG LOST POWER. UNABLE TO MAINTAIN FLT, HE MADE A FORCED LANDING 4 MI NORTH OF THE APRT ON ROUGH DESERT TERRAIN. DURING SUBSEQUENT ENG TESTS, SUFFICIENT POWER WAS DEVELOPED TO SUSTAIN FLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N21780 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32RT-300T (PA-32RT-30)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R7887230
- Airframe hours: 438
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Linda C. Murry
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 4, 1984, 81 hours before
- Departed: APV
- Destination: FAT, FRESNO, CA
- Airport: APV, Apple Valley

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,889 total, 69 in this make and model, 2,889 as pilot in command, 62 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19850226048539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850226048539A), Feb 26, 1985: Piper PA32RT300T, Apple Valley, CA, Substantial damage. Loss of power during initial climb. Landed in desert striking berm. Cause of power loss undetermined.

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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