# NTSB LAX89LA060: Piper PA-28, N706FL, Carlsbad, CA, December 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 4, 1988, 16:10 local (Dec 5, 1988, 00:10 UTC)
- Place: Carlsbad, CA
- Coordinates: 33.309024, -116.839027 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3090&lon=-116.8390&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 16, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26306
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA060
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26306/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA060

## 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 - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AS THE PLT WAS COMPLETING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. AN EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL TANKS DISCLOSED NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL IN THE LEFT TANK. HOWEVER, APRX 9 GAL OF FUEL WAS REMAINING IN THE RIGHT TANK. THE PLT'S LAST FAA MED CERTIFICATE WAS DATED 10/22/86.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N706FL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N706FL), registered now, S/N 28-7225300 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7225300
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Arouz, Sergio J.
- Registered owner: Sergion Arouz J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 13, 1987
- Destination: CMP, COMPTON, CA
- Airport: CRQ, Mcclellan-Palomar, runway 24, 4,700 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: right; flight hours: 170 total, 10 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19881204052469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881204052469A), Dec 4, 1988: Piper PA28140, Carlsbad, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on takeoff. Aircraft collided with ground on forced landing. Fuel selector halfway between tanks.

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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