# NTSB LAX92LA266: Piper PA-32-300, N4065R, Coalinga, CA, June 29, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1992, 20:30 local (Jun 29, 1992, 03:30 UTC)
- Place: Coalinga, CA
- Coordinates: 36.190631, -120.390426 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1906&lon=-120.3904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27664
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA266
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27664/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA266

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER GLIDE PATH DURING THE NIGHT VFR APPROACH WHICH RESULTED IN A LANDING UNDERSHOOT AND A SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH THE RAISED ASPHALT LIP OF THE RUNWAY EDGE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - bright night
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - runway

## Analysis

DURING THE NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE AIRCRAFT LANDED 130 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY IN A LEVEL DIRT OVERRUN AREA. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE RAISED LIP OF THE RUNWAY ASPHALT, WHICH MEASURED SIX INCHES ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE DIRT OVERRUN AREA, DAMAGING THE LANDING GEAR ATTACH POINTS AND THE INTERNAL WING STRUCTURE. FAA INSPECTORS EXAMINED THE AIRPORT AND RUNWAY LIGHTING AND FOUND NO DEFICIENCIES.  THE PILOT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4065R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4065R), registered now, S/N 32-40373, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-40373
- Airframe hours: 4089
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1A5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Phyllis J. Weiss
- Registered owner: Edward A. Weiss
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 16, 1992, 42 hours before
- Departed: OXR, OXNARD, CA
- Airport: 308, Harris Ranch, runway 32, 2,820 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 200 total, 115 in this make and model, 137 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19920628022759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920628022759A), Jun 28, 1992: Piper PA32300, Coalinga, CA, Substantial damage. Landed 130 feet short of runway striking raised six inch runway lip. Damage to gear and wings.

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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