# NTSB LAX86LA028: S. Piccolotto/Dave Morss Cassutt SH-1, N4975M, San Carlos, CA, October 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 27, 1985, 10:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: San Carlos, CA
- Coordinates: 37.489849, -122.260566 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4898&lon=-122.2606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Safety recommendations: Yes
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25007
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA028
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25007/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA028

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system,carburetor - worn (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING RY 30, SAN CARLOS AIRPORT, SAN CARLOS, CA. THE PLT REPTD THAT AFTER EXPERIENCING THE LOSS OF POWER, HE PUMPED THE THROTTLE. THIS ACTION CAUSED THE ENGINE TO REGAIN SOME POWER BUT NOT ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN FLIGHT. THE PLT LANDED IN AN OPEN CONSTRUCTION FIELD NORTHWEST OF THE ARPT. EXAMINATION OF THE CARBURETOR DISCLOSED FLOAT NEEDLE AND THE MIXTURE CONTROL LEAVER BUSHING WERE WORN. NO FUEL CONTAMINATES WERE OBSERVED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4975M (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: S. PICCOLOTTO/DAVE MORSS CASSUTT SH-1 (CASSUTT SH)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: SH-1
- Airframe hours: 60
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David Morss/Silvano Piccolotto
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 20, 1985, 10 hours before
- Departed: SQL, SAN CARLOS, CA
- Airport: SOL, San Carlos, runway 30, 2,600 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 600 total, 15 in this make and model, 535 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SQL, 25 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 19851027054169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851027054169A), Oct 27, 1985: Amtrsx CASSUTT1, San Carlos, CA, Substantial damage. Gear collapsed during forced landing in rough terrain due to engine roughness. Carburetor mixture shaft worn.

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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