# NTSB LAX89LA164: Piper PA-28-140, N1490T, Fresno, CA, April 18, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 18, 1989, 16:55 local (23:55 UTC)
- Place: Fresno, CA
- Coordinates: 36.639259, -119.909805 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6393&lon=-119.9098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26383
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26383/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA164

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INFLIGHT DECISION TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF AND LAND IN A FIELD. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FENCE POST THAT THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Forced landing, takeoff - initial climb
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - initiated, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence post (contributing factor)

## Analysis

JUST AFTER LIFTOFF, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AIRPLANE FELT MUSHY AND THAT IT WOULD STALL. THE PILOT OPTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF AND MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A FENCE POLE. THERE WERE NO REPORTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1490T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1490T-2012-08-01), registration cancelled 2012-08-01, S/N 28-7225534, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- 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: 28-7225534
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fair, Paul R.
- Registered owner: Fair, Paul R
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1989
- Destination: 045, VACAVILLE, CA
- Airport: Q60, Sierra Skypark, runway 30, 2,920 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 414 total, 244 in this make and model, 380 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19890418008709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890418008709A), Apr 18, 1989: Piper PA28140, Fresno, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft felt mushy after liftoff. Aborted and landed off end of runway striking a pole. No defects found.

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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