# NTSB LAX88LA300: Piper PA-28-235, N9429W, Lower Lake, CA, August 28, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 28, 1988, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Lower Lake, CA
- Coordinates: 39.040672, -122.930564 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0407&lon=-122.9306&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 21, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26091
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA300
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26091/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA300

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - checklist - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - remedial action - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED NOVAT0, CA WITH THE FUEL SELECTOR IN THE RIGHT TIP TANK POSITION. SHE DID NOT SWITCH THE SELECTOR TO THE MAIN TANK POSITION. FOUR MILES FROM LOWER LAKE, CA THE ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, ONLY THE RIGHT TIP TANK WAS FOUND EMPTY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9429W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9429W-1989-01-27), registration cancelled 1989-01-27, S/N 2811135 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-235) (registry code 7102810) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-11135
- Airframe hours: 1800
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James J. Finnegan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 30, 1987, 50 hours before
- Departed: 056, NOVATO, CA
- Destination: 209, LOWER LAKE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 142 total, 142 in this make and model, 142 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 99 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: UKI

## 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 19880828035619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880828035619A), Aug 28, 1988: Piper PA28235, Lower Lake, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit due to fuel starvation. Ran a tip tank dry. Failed to switch to full tank. Crash landed in open field.

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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