# NTSB LAX88LA288: Piper PA-28-236, N2563Y, Camarillo, CA, August 18, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1988, 00:30 local (07:30 UTC)
- Place: Camarillo, CA
- Coordinates: 34.229675, -119.069801 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2297&lon=-119.0698&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26082
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA288
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26082/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA288

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - haze/smoke (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS 'SCUD RUNNING' TO THE AIRPORT. THE PILOT WAS FOLLOWING A ROAD THAT RAN NEAR THE AIRPORT, HOWEVER, THE PILOT LOST SIGHT OF THE ROAD. THE PILOT DECIDED TO DIVERT TO ANOTHER AIRPORT AND THEN THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A TREE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2563Y (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-236
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8511019
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-J3A5D 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gerrity, Harry J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PRB, PASO ROBLES, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 507 total, 35 in this make and model, 463 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft overcast
- Temperature: 64 °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 19880818034069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880818034069A), Aug 18, 1988: Piper PA28236, Camarillo, CA, Substantial damage. Unable to find airport under low ceiling began a climbing turn but descended into trees.

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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