# NTSB LAX88LA030: Piper PA-22-150, N4771A, San Jose, CA, October 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 31, 1987, 09:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: San Jose, CA
- Coordinates: 37.330123, -121.770507 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3301&lon=-121.7705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25896
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA030
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25896/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA030

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE FLYING 500-600 FEET ABOVE THE TERRAIN ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE PILOT TURNED INTO WHAT HE BELIEVED TO BE AN OPEN ENDED CANYON. AFTER BECOMING AWARE THAT HE HAD INADVERTENTLY TURNED INTO A BOX CANYON, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A 'CHANDELLE TURN' TO EXIT THE CANYON. AS THE AIRCRAFT COMPLETED THE TURN THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A TREE.THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND AND A SMALL FIRE ERUPTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4771A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4771A-1990-02-08), registration cancelled 1990-02-08, S/N 223919 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 223919
- Airframe hours: 1228
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Riffle, David T.
- Registered owner: David T Riffle
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 26, 1987, 15 hours before
- Departed: RHV, SAN JOSE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 645 total, 450 in this make and model, 550 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °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 19871031061529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871031061529A), Oct 31, 1987: Piper PA22150, San Jose, CA, Destroyed. Unable to climb out of a blind canyon. Hit trees while trying to turn around. Ground impact destroyed aircraft.

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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