# NTSB LAX85LA231: Piper PA-23, N1461P, Clovis, CA, May 3, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 3, 1985, 16:29 local (23:29 UTC)
- Place: Clovis, CA
- Coordinates: 36.809028, -119.709922 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8090&lon=-119.7099&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24709
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA231
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24709/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA231

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system - undetermined
- Forced landing, descent
  - precautionary landing - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
  - emergency procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - propeller feathering - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - building(nonresidential)

## Analysis

ON INITIAL CLIMB, AT 400 FT AGL, THE ACFT'S RT ENGINE LOST FUEL PRESSURE. THEN ALL RIGHT ENGIE POWER WAS LOST. THE LT ENG CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE PLT FAILED TO FEATHER THE RT PROP & ALLOWED THE ACFT TO SLOW TO THE POINT WHERE A MVC ROLL COMMENCED. HE THEN LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING & A PARKING LOT. A POST-CRASH FIRE OCCURRED WHICH DESTROYED PORTIONS OF THE ACFT INCLUDING PORTIONS OF ITS FUEL SYSTEM THE STRUCTURES WHICH REMAINED WERE EXAMINED & NO DESCREPANCIES WERE NOTED. THE REASON FOR THE LOW RT ENGINE FUEL PRESSURE & ITS EVENTUAL TOTAL LOSS OF PWR WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1461P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1461P-2013-01-31), registration cancelled 2013-01-31, S/N 23-524, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23) (registry code 7102302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23-524
- Airframe hours: 3300
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-2 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: J. Lee Abbott
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, May 16, 1984
- Departed: FAT, FRESNO, CA
- Destination: PTV, PORTERVILLE, CA
- Airport: FAT, Fresno Air Terminal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 6,000 total, 260 in this make and model, 6,000 as pilot in command, 61 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAT, 3 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 19850503072689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850503072689A), May 3, 1985: Piper PA23, Clovis, CA, Substantial damage. Struck building during return after engine power loss. Propeller not feathered. Possible water in fuel system.

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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