# NTSB LAX93LA169: Aero Commander 112, N1024J, Camarillo, CA, April 9, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 9, 1993, 14:12 local (21:12 UTC)
- Place: Camarillo, CA
- Coordinates: 34.229988, -119.069442 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2300&lon=-119.0694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 15, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27954
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27954/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA169

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INACCURATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY, REFUELING STOP NOT PERFORMED, AND NO SUITABLE TERRAIN FOUND IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER WHILE HE WAS ENTERING A DOWNWIND FOR RUNWAY 26 DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND HE COULD NOT GLIDE TO THE AIRPORT. HE ELECTED TO LAND IN A NEARBY STRAWBERRY FIELD. HE STATED THAT HE HAD FUELED THE AIRPLANE BEFORE DEPARTING LANDERS, WYOMING, BUT DID NOT REFUEL DURING THE FLIGHT. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THAT BOTH FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1024J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1024J-2001-06-12), registration cancelled 2001-06-12, S/N 24 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERO COMMANDER 112
- Registry model: [Aero Commander 112](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-112) (registry code 0144701) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24
- Airframe hours: 768
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1D6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Albert L. Seamands
- Registered owner: Albert L. Seamands
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 7, 1992, 14 hours before
- Departed: LND, LANDERS, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,216 total, 55 in this make and model, 1,113 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CMA, 5 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 19930409008779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930409008779A), Apr 9, 1993: Amtr AERONCA, Camarillo, CA, Substantial damage. Out of fuel near destination. Crash landed in strawberry field. Had flown non stop from Wyoming.

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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