# NTSB LAX88LA007: Piper PA-23-150, N2077P, Livermore, CA, October 7, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 6, 1987, 19:39 local (Oct 7, 1987, 02:39 UTC)
- Place: Livermore, CA
- Coordinates: 37.680027, -121.749305 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6800&lon=-121.7493&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25880
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25880/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA007

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system - contamination (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - blocked(partial) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - propeller feathering - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE RIGHT ENGINE RAN ROUGH DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB PHASE OF A PERSONAL FLIGHT. THE PILOT ADVISED THE TOWER CONTROLLER OF THE AIRCRAFTS LOSS OF POWER AND ENTERED THE DOWNWIND LEG OF THE TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR LANDING. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND IT COLLIDED WITH AN ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION POLE AND IMPACTED IN A STREET. A POST ACC ENG EXAM SHOWED THAT THE CARBURETOR WAS OBSTRUCTED BY RUST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2077P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2077P-2012-08-23), registration cancelled 2012-08-23, S/N 23-664, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23-150) (registry code 7102303) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 23664
- Airframe hours: 8430
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Harold R. Camden
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 2, 1987, 6 hours before
- Airport: LVK, Livermore Muni., runway 25, 4,005 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,321 total, 868 in this make and model, 5,013 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 250° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19871006058829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871006058829A), Oct 6, 1987: Piper PA23150, Livermore, CA, Substantial damage. Right engine rough on climbout. Tried to return with prop windmilling and unable to sustain flight. Hit power pole

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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