# NTSB LAX86LA052: Piper PA-20, N7728K, Calexico, CA, December 1, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 1, 1985, 08:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Calexico, CA
- Coordinates: 32.689388, -115.509246 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6894&lon=-115.5092&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25027
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25027/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA052

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - throttle/power control - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE ACFT GROUND LOOPED DURING A LANDING ON RWY 08 AT CALEXICO ARPT. THE PLT REPORTED THAT UPON TOUCHDOWN THE ACFT BEGAN TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT. THE PLT APPLIED LEFT RUDDER TO ARREST THE RIGHT SWERVE. THE ACFT THEN BEGAN A SWERVE TO THE LEFT AND THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO ARREST THE TURN. THE ACFT GROUND LOOPED AND THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7728K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7728K), registered now, S/N 20-550 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-20
- Registry model: [Piper PA-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-20) (registry code 7102002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20-550
- Airframe hours: 2200
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James Gillaspie
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 1, 1985, 50 hours before
- Departed: YUM, YUMA, AZ
- Airport: CXL, Calexico Int'L, runway 8, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,333 total, 157 in this make and model, 1,315 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19851201064259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851201064259A), Dec 1, 1985: Piper STCPA20, Calexico, CA, Substantial damage. Bounced and swerved to the right on landing. Added power and left rudder, ground looped to left. Broke right gear.

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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