# NTSB LAX86LA251: Piper PA-28-140, N4593R, Cucamonga, CA, June 14, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1986, 13:55 local (20:55 UTC)
- Place: Cucamonga, CA
- Coordinates: 34.089107, -117.580024 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0891&lon=-117.5800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25180
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25180/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA251

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, climb - to cruise
  - vfr procedures - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - inadequate
  - weather condition - downdraft

## Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE X-COUNTRY FLIGHT IN THE STUDENT PLT'S OWN ACFT, HE ELECTED TO FLY OVER A RIDGE OF HILLS RATHER THAN VIA A LONGER ROUTE WHICH CIRCUMNAVIGATED THE HILLS. WHILE CLIMBING ENROUTE THE PLT ENTERED A BOX CANYON, EXPERIENCED A DOWNDRAFT AND COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4593R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4593R-1989-03-06), registration cancelled 1989-03-06, S/N 2821340 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-21340
- Airframe hours: 3150
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Floyd J. Metson
- Registered owner: Floyd J. Metson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 29, 1985, 60 hours before
- Departed: CCB, UPLAND, CA
- Destination: L26, HESPERIA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 53 total, 53 in this make and model, 26 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19860614024289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860614024289A), Jun 14, 1986: Piper PA28140, Cucamonga, CA, Destroyed. The aircraft impacted high terrain after encountering downdraft. Student flight not reviewed by instructor.

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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