# NTSB LAX85LA279: Piper PA-28-181, N4382N, Apple Valley, CA, June 17, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1985, 18:20 local (Jun 17, 1985, 01:20 UTC)
- Place: Apple Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.569587, -117.149711 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5696&lon=-117.1497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24744
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA279
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24744/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA279

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

ENG FAILED DUE TO FUEL EXHAUTION WHILE THE ACFT WAS ON FINAL APCH TO RWY 18 AT APPLE VALLEY. A FORCED LANDING ON ROUGH TERRAIN SHORT OF THE RWY RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4382N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4382N-2020-05-01), registration cancelled 2020-05-01, S/N 28-8590017, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8590017
- Airframe hours: 223
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Martin Aviation Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: TEMPLE BAR, CA
- Destination: SNA, SANTA ANA, CA
- Airport: APV, Apple Valley, runway 18, 6,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 152 total, 6 in this make and model, 133 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19850616025829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850616025829A), Jun 16, 1985: Piper PA28181, Apple Valley, CA, Substantial damage. Engine failed due to fuel exhaustion on final. Landed short of runway.

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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