# NTSB LAX87LA249: Piper PA-28-161, N2856H, Auberry, CA, June 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1987, 12:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Auberry, CA
- Coordinates: 36.99921, -119.149673 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9992&lon=-119.1497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 2, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25622
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA249
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25622/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA249

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - improper training, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - misjudged, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - total, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aborted landing - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AN APPROACH INTO A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE STUDENT PILOT TOUCHED-DOWN, THEN DECIDED THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH STOPPING DISTANCE AND ELECTED TO GO-AROUND. ON THE INITIAL CLIMB-OUT THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK AN OBJECT THAT MADE THE AIRCRAFT YAW RIGHT THEN LEFT. THE PILOT NEVER SAW WHAT THE AIRCRAFT HIT. AT CRUISE ALT THE PILOT CHECKED THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WHICH APPEARED TO BE OK. THE PILOT CONTINUED THE FLIGHT BACK TO HIS ORIGINAL DEPARTURE POINT WHERE, AFTER LANDING, THE DAMAGE WAS DISCOVERED THE PILOT STATED THAT HE THOUGHT THE AIRSTRIP HE HAD PLANNED TO LAND AT WAS 3800 FEET LONG. THE AIRSTRIP, IN FACT, IS 2000 FEET LONG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2856H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2856H), registered now, S/N 28-7916482 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287916482
- Airframe hours: 2132
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Navajo Aviation
- Registered owner: Eberhard, Ronald D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 10, 1987, 73 hours before
- Departed: NEW AUBERRY, CA
- Destination: CCR, CONCORD, CA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Topham Auberry, runway 16, 2,000 × 50 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; student; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 65 total, 56 in this make and model, 16 as pilot in command, 48 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19870628027429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870628027429A), Jun 28, 1987: Piper PA28161, New Auberry, CA, Substantial damage. The aircraft struck a tree during go around. The student pilot elected to fly back to home airport. Landed safely.

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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