# NTSB LAX86LA055: Piper PA-32-300, N32998, Santa Maria, CA, November 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 27, 1985, 19:50 local (Nov 28, 1985, 03:50 UTC)
- Place: Santa Maria, CA
- Coordinates: 34.82019, -120.409469 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8202&lon=-120.4095&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25030
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25030/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA055

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - from landing
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, taxi - from landing
  - landing gear,main gear shock absorbing strut - overload
  - wing,spar - bent

## Analysis

AFTER COMPLETING A NIGHTTIME BUSINESS FLIGHT, THE PLT LANDED AND TAXIED TO PARKING. ENROUTE THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO TAXI BETWEEN TWO HANGARS AND AROUND A WASH RACK. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH AN UNMARKED CURB ADJACENT TO THE WASH RACK AND THE GEAR COLLAPSED BENDING THE RIGHT WING. THE PLT STATED THAT THE CURB PROTRUDED INTO AN AREA OF THE RAMP WHERE ACFT ARE PERMITTED TO TAXI.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32998](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N32998), registered now, S/N 32-7540079, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-7540079
- Airframe hours: 1864
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1A5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Farroll Equipment Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, February 28, 1985
- Departed: L52, OCEANO, CA
- Airport: SMX, Santa Maria Public, runway 30, 6,300 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 6,963 total, 444 in this make and model, 6,571 as pilot in command, 118 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,170 ft overcast
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 55 °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 19851127062639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851127062639A), Nov 27, 1985: Piper PA32300, Santa Maria, CA, Substantial damage. Struck a curb adjacent to the wash rack while taxiing between hangars. Curb protruded into the ramp area.

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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