# NTSB LAX89LA098: Piper PA-28-161, N8163F, San Martin, CA, January 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 30, 1989, 15:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: San Martin, CA
- Coordinates: 37.099491, -121.599876 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0995&lon=-121.5999&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26330
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26330/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA098

## Probable cause

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A LOOSE SPARK PLUG WITH THE REMINAING PLUGS FOULED WITH CARBON DEPOSITS.

## 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
  - ignition system,spark plug - fouled (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - ignition system,spark plug - loose (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RELAND AT THE AIRPORT, HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY AND AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT A SPARK PLUG WAS LOOSE. THE REMAINING PLUGS WERE SEVERELY LEAD AND CARBON FOULED. THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY TEST RUN AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8163F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8163F-1989-03-21), registration cancelled 1989-03-21, S/N 288016201 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8016201
- Airframe hours: 1851
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Condor Aviation
- Registered owner: Dale L. Dorr
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 7, 1988, 75 hours before
- Departed: Q99, SAN MARTIN, CA
- Destination: L52, OCEANO, CA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Q99, South County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 112 total, 89 in this make and model, 112 as pilot in command, 39 in the last 90 days, 26 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Observed at: SJC, 26 nm away

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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