# NTSB LAX92LA181: Navion G, N2489T, Santa Paula, CA, April 21, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 21, 1992, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Santa Paula, CA
- Coordinates: 34.399856, -119.070915 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3999&lon=-119.0709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27603
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA181
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27603/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA181

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT BY FAILING TO ASSURE THE FUEL SELECTOR HANDLE WAS IN THE PROPER POSITION. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE ENGINE FUEL STARVATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - roll/run
  - fluid,fuel - starvation (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel tank selector position - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Overrun, takeoff - roll/run
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - building(nonresidential)

## Analysis

DURING THE PREFLIGHT RUN-UP THE PILOT FAILED TO POSITION THE FUEL SELECTOR HANDLE IN THE DETENT POSITION.  WHEN TAKING OFF THE ENGINE SUSTAINED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER.  THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND ON THE AVAILABLE REMAINING RUNWAY THAT WAS INSUFFICIENT TO STOP THE AIRPLANE.  THE AIRPLANE EXITED THE RUNWAY AND COLLIDED WITH A SMALL STORAGE BUILDING AND A BLOCK WALL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2489T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2489T), registered now, S/N NAV-4-2489, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: NAVION G
- Registry model: [Navion NAVION G](https://openairdocs.org/model/navion-navion-g) (registry code 6150120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental IO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-520-series) (registry code 17032, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4-2489
- Airframe hours: 2521
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-520-B 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Niles, William L.
- Registered owner: Niles, William L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 6, 1992
- Airport: SZP, Santa Paula, runway 22, 2,650 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 4,374 total, 221 in this make and model, 4,374 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19920421010589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920421010589A), Apr 21, 1992: Tmpson NAVIONG, Santa Paula, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit on initial takeoff climb. Overshot landing on runway. Struck building. Fuel selector not in detente.

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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