# NTSB LAX89LA170: Piper PA-28-235, N8827W, Long Beach, CA, April 23, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1989, 01:30 local (08:30 UTC)
- Place: Long Beach, CA
- Coordinates: 33.819732, -118.110511 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8197&lon=-118.1105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26388
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA170
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26388/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA170

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SELECT THE PROPER FUEL TANK FOR AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY FOR THE TAKOEFF.

## 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 (contributing factor)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - not followed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - intentional, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS NOT AUTHORIZED TO FLY THE AIRPLANE. HE DID STATE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT THE ENGINE QUIT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND HE WAS FORCED TO LAND IN A SOFT FIELD. THREE OF THE FOUR FUEL TANKS WERE FOUND TO BE EMPTY OR NEAR THE UNUSEABLE FUEL QUANTITY. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE 'OFF' POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8827W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8827W-1991-02-12), registration cancelled 1991-02-12, S/N 2810375 (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: 28-10375
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard Godwin
- Registered owner: Godwin, Brian D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: UNKNOWN
- Airport: LGB, Long Beach Daugherty Fld., runway 25L, 5,420 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; flight hours: 600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Lowest ceiling: none

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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