# NTSB LAX85LA329: Stinson 108-3, N876C, Anza, CA, July 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1985, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Anza, CA
- Location: 33.5616° N, 116.6961° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Anza, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5616&lon=-116.6961&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): 24780
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85LA329
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24780/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85LA329

## 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)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A CROSS COUNTRY PERSONAL FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED FUEL EXHAUSTION FOR UNDERTERMINED REASONS AND NOSED OVER DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN A SOFT SAND AND SCRUB BRUSH COVERED AREA. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OF THE FLIGHT (A MEASURED STRAIGHT LINE DISTANCE OF 75 NM) THE PILOT SAID HE CONFIRMED A FUEL QUANTITY OF 37 GALLONS. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE FLT WAS AIRBORNE FOR ABOUT 50 MINUTES WHEN THE 'ENGINE QUIT.' DOCUMENTS PRODUCED BY THE PILOT ESTABLISHED THAT 19 GALLONS OF FUEL WERE PURCHASED AT THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT AT THE ACCIDENT SITE BY FAA INSPECTORS REVEALED NO FUEL IN THE TANKS AND ONLY ABOUT A TEASPOON FULL IN THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS FORWARD OF THE FIREWALL. THE FAA INSPECTORS REPORTED NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKAGE OR STAINS ON THE UNDERLYING AND ADJACENT SOIL OR VEGITATION. NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS WERE IDENTIFIED DURING THE EXAM OF THE POWERPLANT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N876C (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: STINSON 108-3
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 108-3876
- Airframe hours: 1700
- Engines: FRANKLIN 6A4-165-B3 165 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Byron P. Strope
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 9, 1985, 27 hours before
- Departed: L66, CORONA, CA
- Destination: L08, BORREGO VALLEY, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 246 total, 172 in this make and model, 186 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RAL

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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