# NTSB LAX89LA243: Piper PA-28R-200, N5123S, Van Nuys, CA, July 22, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1989, 11:46 local (18:46 UTC)
- Place: Van Nuys, CA
- Coordinates: 34.189636, -118.48983 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1896&lon=-118.4898&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 October 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26448
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA243
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26448/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA243

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - airport facility

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON THE SIXTH LOCAL FLIGHT OF THE DAY WHEN THE PILOT REPORTED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. IN AN ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO THE RUNWAY THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH AN AIRPORT HANGAR. THE AIRCRAFT REPORTEDLY HAD 30 GALLONS OF FUEL ON BOARD. THE LINKAGE TO THE AIR INTAKE WAS FOUND LOOSE BUT IT WAS NOT DETERMINED IF IT WAS LOOSE PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT OR BECAME LOOSE DURING THE CRASH SEQUENCE. THE PILOT REPORTEDLY DID HIS OWN MAINTENANCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5123S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5123S-1990-03-15), registration cancelled 1990-03-15, S/N 28R7135153 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-7135153
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Rex E Long
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: VNY, Van Nuys, runway 16R, 8,000 × 150 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,124 total, 1,000 in this make and model, 45 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VNY, 1 nm away

## 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 19890722024529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890722024529A), Jul 22, 1989: Piper PA28R200, Van Nuys, CA, Substantial damage. Reported loss power on takeoff. Landed on hangar roof. Cause power loss undetermined.

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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