# NTSB LAX87LA301: Cessna 152, N65451, Madera, CA, August 16, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 16, 1987, 12:14 local (19:14 UTC)
- Place: Madera, CA
- Location: 36.9662° N, 120.0859° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Madera, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.9662&lon=-120.0859&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25663
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA301
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25663/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA301

## 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 - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

AFTER THE AIRCRAFT WAS FLOWN FOR 3 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES THE ENGINE FAILED. THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A FORCED LANDING APPROACH TO AN OPEN FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED HARD AND NOSED OVER ONTO ITS BACK. GROUND WITNESSES WHO WERE ON SCENE SHORTLY AFTER THE ACCIDENT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A FUEL SPILL NOR DID THEY DETECT AN ODOR OF FUEL IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE OPERATOR REPORTED THAT HE OBTAINED ONLY 3 QUARTS OF FUEL FROM THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL SYSTEM AFTER THE ACCIDENT. HE STATED THAT AFTER REPLACING THE PROPELLER AND ADDING FUEL TO THE TANKS THE ENGINE STARTED AND RAN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N65451](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N65451-2011-02-24), registration cancelled 2011-02-24, S/N 15281559, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15281559
- Airframe hours: 3913
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Executive Flyers, Inc.
- Registered owner: Ralph Swerdlow
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 30, 1987, 22 hours before
- Departed: FAT, FRESNO, CA
- Destination: SAC, SACRAMENTO, CA
- Airport: Pvt Strip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,076 total, 137 in this make and model, 1,982 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MER, 18 nm away

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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