# NTSB LAX86LA126: Piper PA28-180, N3764R, El Monte, CA, April 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 18, 1986, 13:56 local (21:56 UTC)
- Place: El Monte, CA
- Coordinates: 34.040538, -118.040496 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0405&lon=-118.0405&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 March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25081
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA126
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25081/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA126

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - cooling system,cowling - unlocked (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ENG COWLING OPENED AS THE ACFT TOOK OFF. THE PLT SLOWED THE ACFT TO LOWER THE OPEN COWL. THE ACFT DESCENDED INTO UNMARKED ELEC WIRES AND RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE PILOT RETURNED TO ARPT AND LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3764R (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA28-180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 285817
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cyrus J. Maggio
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, August 6, 1987
- Departed: EMT, EL MONTE, CA
- Airport: EMT, El Monte, runway 19, 3,995 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 125 total, 73 in this make and model, 30 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EMT, 1 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).

- [Incident 19860418027659I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860418027659I), Apr 18, 1986: Piper PA28180, El Monte, CA, Minor damage. Top section of engine cowl popped up and fluttered on takeoff. Struck powerlines while returning to airport.

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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