# NTSB LAX87LA115: Piper PA-28R-180, N7498J, Tulare, CA, February 10, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 9, 1987, 18:20 local (Feb 10, 1987, 02:20 UTC)
- Place: Tulare, CA
- Coordinates: 36.180034, -119.36026 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1800&lon=-119.3603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25522
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA115
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25522/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA115

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not understood, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO LAND WHILE THE RUNWAY AND VASI APPROACH LIGHTS WERE OFF. THE NIGHT WAS DARK AND HE INADVERTENTLY LANDED ON A ROADWAY PARALLEL TO THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A FENCE WHEN THE ROAD CAME TO A DEAD END ADJACENT TO THE NEAR MIDFIELD POINT ON THE RUNWAY. THE RUNWAY AND APPROACH LIGHTS AT THE AIRPORT ARE RADIO CONTROLLED. DURING A TELEPHONIC INTERVIEW, THE PILOT SAID HE HAD NEVER USED THE RADIO PROCEDURES TO ILLUMINATE RUNWAY LIGHTS. THE PILOT'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE WAS NOT VALID FOR NIGHT FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7498J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7498J), registered now, S/N 28R-30860, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-180) (registry code 7102809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-30860
- Airframe hours: 2811
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Reese Orchards
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 14, 1986
- Departed: MAE, MADERA, CA
- Airport: TLR, Mefford Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 392 total, 108 in this make and model, 318 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## Other investigations on N7498J (1)

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.

- [NTSB DEN80FTA23](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN80FTA23), Sep 29, 1980: Piper PA-28 (N7498J), Billings, MT, substantial damage

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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