# NTSB LAX93FA011: Piper PA28-140, N3940F, Rosemead, CA, October 13, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 13, 1992, 06:11 local (13:11 UTC)
- Place: Rosemead, CA
- Coordinates: 34.060653, -118.079353 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0607&lon=-118.0794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27805
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93FA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27805/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93FA011

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND INTENTIONAL FLIGHT INTO INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE PREVAILING LOW CEILING AND FOG.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr flight into imc - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - residence

## Analysis

THE NONINSTRUMENT RATED PILOT DEPARTED THE AIRPORT WITH THE PREVAILING WEATHER TO BE LESS THAN VFR IN CONTROLLED AIRSPACE.  DENSE FOG SURROUNDED THE AREA.  GROUND WITNESSES HEARD THE AIRCRAFT CIRCLE THE RESIDENTIAL AREA SEVERAL TIMES.  ONE GROUND WITNESS OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT PLUMMET FROM THE FOG SHROUDED AREA AND CRASH INTO THE ROOF OF A RESIDENCE.  THE WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE FOG BEGAN AT ABOVE THE HEIGHT OF A TELEPHONE POLE. SAFETY BOARD INVESTIGATORS DID NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE OF ANY PREEXISTING MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3940F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3940F-2012-11-14), registration cancelled 2012-11-14, S/N 28-7625270, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28762570
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Maples, Madge R.
- Registered owner: Maples, Madge R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1992
- Departed: EMT, EL MONTE, CA
- Destination: L15, HENDERSON, NV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,103 total, 2,066 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: 150 ft
- Temperature: 64 °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 19921013041709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921013041709A), Oct 13, 1992: Piper PA28140, Rosemead, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. VFR pilot lost control of aircraft in adverse weather. Crashed into a residence. Aircraft destroyed.

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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