# NTSB LAX88FA252: Beech A35, N27EB, Lompoc, CA, July 12, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1988, 14:12 local (21:12 UTC)
- Place: Lompoc, CA
- Coordinates: 34.599018, -120.390205 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5990&lon=-120.3902&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 9, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25846
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88FA252
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25846/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA252

## Probable cause

PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE FUEL SYSTEM AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF HIS AIRCRAFT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL OPERATION OF AN AIRCRAFT WITH KNOWN DEFICIENCIES IN EQUIPMENT, HIS IMPROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURE AND HIS LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE MODEL OF AIRCRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel grade - improper (contributing factor)
  - fuel system - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance - not performed, pilot in command
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT PLANNED A SHORT X-C FLIGHT. AT ABOUT 400 FT AGL DURING INITIAL CLIMB, HE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PLT TRANSMITTED A DISTRESS MESSAGE OVER UNICOM, STALLED, ENTERED AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT & CRASHED 1/2 MILE FROM THE ARPT. THE PILOT HAD 88 HRS OF FLT EXPERIENCE IN THIS ACFT. EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED HE HAD BEEN USING AUTO FUEL IN AT LEAST ONE TANK & AVIATION FUEL IN ANOTHER TANK. FUEL WAS WAS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF IN THE FUEL LINE BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE CARBURETOR. ON 6-29-88, A MECHANIC WHO HAD INSPECTED THE ACFT, WROTE IT UP AS 'DISAPPROVED FOR RETURN TO SERVICE'. HE HAD FOUND OIL LEAKS AND CYLINDER HEADS THAT APPEARED CRACKED. NO EVIDENCE OF MAINTENANCE WAS FOUND IN THE ACFT LOGS BETWEEN 6/29 & 7/12.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N27EB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N27EB-1992-04-07), registration cancelled 1992-04-07, S/N D1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH A35
- Registry model: [Beech A35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a35) (registry code 1151504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-1961
- Airframe hours: 4315
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-185-8 185 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph A. Vanni, Sr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 23, 1987, 17 hours before
- Departed: LPC, LOMPOC, CA
- Destination: HMT, HEMIT, CA
- Airport: LPC, Lompoc, runway 25, 3,600 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 391 total, 88 in this make and model, 307 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LPC

## 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 19880712026359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880712026359A), Jul 12, 1988: Beech A35, Lompoc, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Engine quit on takeoff, stalled and crashed turning back. Leaky fuel lines taped.

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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