# NTSB LAX86LA170: Piper PA-28-151, N9237K, San Jose, CA, April 10, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 9, 1986, 20:03 local (Apr 10, 1986, 04:03 UTC)
- Place: San Jose, CA
- Coordinates: 37.32994, -121.770111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3299&lon=-121.7701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25116
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA170
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25116/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA170

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AFTER A COMPLETE LOSS OF PWR WHILE ON FINAL APCH. POST ACCIDENT EXAM OF THE ACFT DISCLOSED NO FUEL IN EITHER THE MAIN TANKS NOR IN THE CARBURETOR FUEL LINE. THE PLT INDICATED ON HIS PLT/OPERATOR ACCIDENT REPORT THE RIGHT AND LEFT FUEL TANKS WERE RUN DRY DURING THE FLT. HE ALSO INDICATED THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9237K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9237K-2014-11-24), registration cancelled 2014-11-24, S/N 28-7615187, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-151
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287615187
- Airframe hours: 1920
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles E. Lutz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 7, 1985
- Departed: 308, HARRIS RANCH, CA
- Destination: RHV, SAN JOSE, CA
- Airport: RHV, Reid Hillview, runway 31R, 3,101 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 180 total, 42 in this make and model, 132 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 290° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RHV, 6 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 19860409010679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860409010679A), Apr 9, 1986: Piper PA28151, San Jose, CA, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel on a long final. Collided with the terrain during the forced landing.

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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