# NTSB LAX92LA022: Piper PA-28-160, N41669, Compton, CA, October 21, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 20, 1991, 18:45 local (Oct 21, 1991, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Compton, CA
- Coordinates: 33.869258, -118.239562 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8693&lon=-118.2396&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27484
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA022
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27484/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA022

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE ALTERNATOR'S DRIVE BELT BY THE AIRCRAFT OWNER WHICH RESULTED IN ITS TOTAL FAILURE. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INADEQUATE DISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR THE PILOT TO STOP THE AIRPLANE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - electrical system,alternator - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance - improper, unknown (cause)
  - electrical system,alternator - melted
  - fuselage,cabin - smoke
  - emergency procedure - initiated, pilot in command
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - fence
  - distance - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING THE GROUND ROLL PORTION OF THE STUDENT PILOT'S TAKEOFF SMOKE ENTERED THE COCKPIT.  THE PILOT ABORTED THE TAKEOFF ON THE 3,650-FOOT-LONG RUNWAY.  THE AIRPLANE OVERRAN THE END OF THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A FENCE.  AN EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THE ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT WAS BROKEN.  THE BELT WAS FOUND AGAINST THE EXHAUST ASSEMBLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N41669](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N41669), registered now, S/N 28-7415312, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7415312
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jose O. Contreras
- Registered owner: Carlos A. Lasso
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Airport: CPM, Compton, runway 25, 3,670 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 55 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 19911020047289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911020047289A), Oct 20, 1991: Piper PA28160, Compton, CA, Substantial damage. Smoke in cabin on takeoff. Aborted,ran off runway into fence. Alternator belt broke. Fell onto exaust caused fire.

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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