# NTSB LAX92LA189: Piper PA-32RT-300, N31557, Vallejo, CA, April 26, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 26, 1992, 12:17 local (19:17 UTC)
- Place: Vallejo, CA
- Coordinates: 38.089962, -122.250244 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0900&lon=-122.2502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27606
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA189
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27606/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA189

## Probable cause

WAS THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL SERVO DIAPHRAGM STEM WHICH RESULTED IN A FUEL INTERRUPTION TO THE ENGINE.  HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS AND UTILITY POLE IN THE FORCED LANDING AREA WERE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering
  - fuel system,injector - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOTS WERE CONDUCTING AN OBSERVATION FLIGHT OVER THE NORTHEAST END OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY WHEN THE AIRPLANE'S ENGINE FAILED.  THE PILOTS WERE UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND TURNED TOWARDS A ROADWAY NORTH OF THE BAY TO LAND. THE AIRPLANE LANDED SHORT OF THE SELECTED LANDING AREA AND STRUCK A FENCE AND A UTILITY POLE.  AN EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL INJECTOR SERVO AFTER THE ACCIDENT DISCLOSED THAT THE FUEL CONTROL DIAPHRAGM STEM FAILED INTERRUPTING THE FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31557](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31557-1994-11-01), registration cancelled 1994-11-01, S/N 32R7885102 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32RT-300 (PA-32RT-30)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300) (registry code 7103215) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R7885102
- Airframe hours: 1918
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Operator: Siebert, Edward G.
- Registered owner: Siebert, Edward G.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 7, 1991, 78 hours before
- Departed: LVK, LIVERMORE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,116 total, 34 in this make and model, 986 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft overcast
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: APC, 6 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 19920426015409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920426015409A), Apr 26, 1992: Piper PA32RT300, Vallejo, CA, Substantial damage. Engine lost power on survey for U.S. Coast guard. Struck fence and power pole landing. Defective fuel control unit.

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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