# NTSB LAX90LA020: Piper PA-18-150, N9292Z, Palo Alto, CA, October 29, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 28, 1989, 16:57 local (Oct 29, 1989, 00:57 UTC)
- Place: Palo Alto, CA
- Coordinates: 37.340335, -121.879615 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3403&lon=-121.8796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26675
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA020
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26675/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA020

## Probable cause

THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR IMPROPERLY SUPERVISED THE FLIGHT AND THE DUAL STUDENT PILOT FAILED TO PROPERLY SET THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE IN THE PROPER POSITION. BOTH PILOTS FAILED TO USE THE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, go-around (vfr)
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper, dual student (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - other

## Analysis

WHEN ENTERING THE DOWNWIND LEG THE PVT PLT DUAL STUDENT REPORTEDLY SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE OF THE FULLEST TANK. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY UNTIL THE LOCAL CONTROLLER INSTRUCTED THE FLIGHT TO GO AROUND, WHEN THE ENGINE SUSTAINED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE CFI ASSUMED COMMAND OF THE AIRPLANE AND EXECUTED AN EMERGENCY LANDING. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A DIKE AND NOSED-OVER INTO A SLOUGH. THE CFI STATED THAT HE SUSPECTED THAT THE FUEL SELECTOR VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY SEATED IN THE DETENT POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9292Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9292Z), registered now, S/N 186971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-6971
- Airframe hours: 3013
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: West Valley Flying Club
- Registered owner: Lyle D. Blaine
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 20, 1989, 91 hours before
- Departed: HAF, HALF MOON BAY, CA
- Airport: PAO, Palo Alto, runway 30, 2,500 × 65 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,480 total, 20 in this make and model, 1,400 as pilot in command, 210 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PAO

## 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 19891028043689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891028043689A), Oct 28, 1989: Piper PA18150, Palo Alto, CA, Substantial damage. Student switched tanks on downwind but failed to select detente. Engine quit on go around. Hit dike and nosed over.

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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