# NTSB LAX93LA079: Piper PA-18-125, N3872C, Herald, CA, December 31, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 30, 1992, 16:40 local (Dec 31, 1992, 00:40 UTC)
- Place: Herald, CA
- Coordinates: 38.330509, -121.140205 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3305&lon=-121.1402&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured; on the ground: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27894
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA079
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27894/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA079

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN A PROPER DESCENT RATE AND HIS FAILURE TO TAKE TIMELY REMEDIAL ACTION TO CORRECT A HIGH SINK RATE PRIOR TO COLLIDING WITH THE GROUND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - proper descent rate - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOLD FAA INSPECTORS THAT HE FLEW TO THE ACCIDENT SITE TO VISIT SOME FRIENDS WHO WERE ON A HUNTING TRIP. HE DECIDED TO LAND IN AN OPEN FIELD WHERE HIS FRIENDS WERE LOCATED. ON SHORT FINAL APPROACH THE AIRCRAFT DEVELOPED A HIGH SINK RATE AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR SHEARED OFF THE AIRCRAFT AND STRUCK ONE OF THE PEOPLE ON THE GROUND, BREAKING BOTH LEGS AND HIS HIP. THE EXAMINING FAA INSPECTOR REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT PILOT WAS NOT ENDORSED FOR SOLO PRIVILEGES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3872C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3872C), registered now, S/N 18-763, built 1951 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-125
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-125](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-125) (registry code 7101812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-763
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Randall O. Davenport
- Registered owner: Randall O. Davenport
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: O20, LODI, CA
- Destination: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 40 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 50 °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 19921230051969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921230051969A), Dec 30, 1992: Piper PA18125, Herald, CA, Substantial damage. Impacted in open field after developing high sink rate on final. Landing gear hit bystander. No solo endorsement.

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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