# NTSB LAX88FA251: Piper PA-22-150, N6926B, Compton, CA, July 13, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1988, 18:55 local (Jul 13, 1988, 01:55 UTC)
- Place: Compton, CA
- Coordinates: 33.870548, -118.240249 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8705&lon=-118.2402&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Emergency descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/600) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 9, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25845
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25845/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA251

## Probable cause

STUDENT PILOTS FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY REMOVE MOISTURE FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM DURING HIS PREFLIGHT INSPECTION WHICH LED TO A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING A CRITICAL PHASE OF FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, descent - emergency
  - fuel system,carburetor - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER THE STUDENT PILOT DRAINED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL FROM THE AIRCRAFT'S FUEL SUMP HE AND HIS TWO PASSENGERS ENPLANED FOR A LOCAL FLIGHT. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS STARTED FOR THE FLIGHT IT STOPPED FOUR TIMES WHILE TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF. A PASSENGER STATED THAT THE STUDENT PILOT USED THE FUEL PRIMER IN AN ATTEMPT TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING. AFTER AN ENGINE RUN-UP THE PILOT TOOKOFF. THE ENGINE BEGAN SPUTTERING JUST AFTER TAKEOFF. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES AND IMPACTED THE GROUND. A POST CRASH FIRE ERUPTED AND DESTROYED THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6926B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6926B-2013-05-02), registration cancelled 2013-05-02, S/N 22-4203, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-4203
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mason, Douglas A.
- Registered owner: Mason, Douglas A
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 9, 1986
- Departed: CPM, COMPTON, CA
- Airport: CPM, Compton, runway 25L, 3,670 × 60 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 250 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 240° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,300 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAX

## 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 19880712026459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880712026459A), Jul 12, 1988: Piper PA22150, Compton, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Lost power on climbout, stalled trying to return. Hit wires, burned on impact. Water and dirt in fuel.

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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