# NTSB LAX90LA023: Piper PA-28-161, N2203V, S. Juan Batista, CA, November 4, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 4, 1989, 11:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: S. Juan Batista, CA
- Coordinates: 36.829784, -121.509651 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8298&lon=-121.5097&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26678
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26678/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA023

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL BUZZING AND FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID A GUY WIRE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - buzzing - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS OVERFLYING HIS EMPLOYERS HOME FOR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. DURING A TURN TO THE LEFT THE RIGHT WING COLLIDED WITH A GUY WIRE. CONTROL WAS REGAINED AND THE AIRCRAFT LANDED AT AN AIRPORT WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. PARTS OF THE AIRCRAFT'S WINGTIP WERE FOUND AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2203V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2203V), registered now, S/N 28-7916326, built 1979 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7916326
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Air Trails
- Departed: SNS, SALINAS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 236 total, 14 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °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 19891104044599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891104044599A), Nov 4, 1989: Piper PA28161, San Juan Batist, CA, Substantial damage. Over flying employers home to take pictures. Right wing hit a guy wire. Recovered. Returned to airport.

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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