# NTSB LAX91LA113: Piper PA-22-150, N3724P, Fullerton, CA, February 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 26, 1991, 16:17 local (Feb 27, 1991, 00:17 UTC)
- Place: Fullerton, CA
- Location: 33.8857° N, 117.9280° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Fullerton, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8857&lon=-117.9280&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27122
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA113
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27122/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA113

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.  CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS WATER IN THE FUEL TANK.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, climb
  - single engine aircraft
  - fluid,fuel - water (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

PRIOR TO DEPARTING THE NONCERTIFICATED PILOT FILLED THE AIRPLANE'S GAS TANKS WITH ABOUT 20 GALLONS OF AUTOMOTIVE FUEL FROM UNFILTERED GASOLINE CANS. HE THEN FAILED TO DO AN ADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION. SHORTLY AFTER EXECUTING A DOWNWIND DEPARTURE AND WHEN THE AIRPLANE WAS ABEAM THE TOWER THE ENGINE QUIT. THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD NORTH OF THE AIRPORT. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A DITCH AND NOSED OVER ONTO ITS BACK. THE INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK CONTAINED ABOUT ONE HALF CUP OF WATER. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS POSITIONED TO THE RIGHT FUEL TANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3724P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3724P-2012-11-27), registration cancelled 2012-11-27, S/N 22-3442, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-3442
- Airframe hours: 3427
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Clarence Mixon
- Registered owner: Steven D. Berggren
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: L66, CORONA, CA
- Airport: FUL, Fullerton, runway 24, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FUL, 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 19910226003549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910226003549A), Feb 26, 1991: Piper PA22150, Fullerton, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on downwind. Hit ditch and flipped over on forced landing. Water in fuel. Bare mag wire. No endorsement

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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