# NTSB LAX86LA201: Cessna 150M, N704PL, Torrey Pines, CA, April 28, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 27, 1986, 17:45 local (Apr 28, 1986, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Torrey Pines, CA
- Coordinates: 32.860691, -117.239685 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8607&lon=-117.2397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25144
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA201
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25144/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA201

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT WAS ON THE FINAL LEG OF A X-COUNTRY FLT WHEN THE ENG QUIT. A FORCED LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED ON A BEACH DURING WHICH THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE PLT STATED THAT HE PURCHASED 5.9 GALLONS OF FUEL AT ONE OF HIS POINTS OF LANDING. HE DID NOT REPORT HOW LONG THE ACFT HAD FLOWN BEFORE THE ENG QUIT. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED THAT APRX ONE CUP OF FUEL REMAINED IN THE WING FUEL TANKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N704PL (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15078765
- Airframe hours: 2863
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Skylighters Flying Club
- Registered owner: James Hamm
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 5, 1985, 88 hours before
- Departed: CRQ, CARLSBAD, CA
- Destination: MYF, SAN DIEGO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 28 total, 12 in this make and model, 7 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F

## 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 19860427071469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860427071469A), Apr 27, 1986: Cessna 150M, Torrey Pines, CA, Substantial damage. Engine failed from fuel exhaustion. Solo student pilot attempted to land on a beach. Aircraft nosed over.

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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