# NTSB LAX86LA352: Piper PA-28-180, N8085W, Likely, CA, September 12, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 11, 1986, 18:20 local (Sep 12, 1986, 01:20 UTC)
- Place: Likely, CA
- Coordinates: 41.289615, -120.440307 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2896&lon=-120.4403&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25260
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA352
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25260/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA352

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - open field (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - landing gear,main gear - separation (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,main gear - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED SAN JOSE AIRPORT (SJC), SAN JOSE, CA ON A BUSINESS FLIGHT IN AN AREA NEAR LIKELY, CA. THE PILOT INTENTIONALLY LANDED ON AN OPEN DIRT AREA TO OBTAIN A SOIL SAMPLE. DURING THE LANDING ROLL-OUT THE AIRPLANE'S LEFT MAIN GEAR SEPARATED AFTER STRIKING A ROCK. THE LEFT WING WAS DAMAGED AFTER IT CONTACTED THE GROUND. THE PILOT DID NOT COMPLETE THE ACCIDENT REPORT BUT HE REPORTED THE CIRCUMSTANCES TO THE RENO, NV FAA FLT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE; HE DID NOT REPORT ANY AIRPLANE MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES PRECEDING THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8085W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8085W), registered now, S/N 28-2175, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-2175
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Fireside Aviators Assn Corp
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Departed: SJC, SAN JOSE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 7,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 45 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19860911045349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860911045349A), Sep 11, 1986: Piper PA28180, Likely, CA, Substantial damage. Left main gear struck a large rock and collapsed during landing roll in an open field. No 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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