# NTSB LAX93LA312: Piper PA-28-181, N3053N, Fresno, CA, July 31, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 30, 1993, 23:30 local (Jul 31, 1993, 06:30 UTC)
- Place: Fresno, CA
- Coordinates: 36.750518, -119.67057 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7505&lon=-119.6706&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 3, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27989
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA312
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27989/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA312

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE FLARE AND HIS IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM THE RESULTING BOUNCED LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE ALTERNATOR FAILURE AND THE NIGHT CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,alternator - inoperative (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - light condition - bright night
  - electrical system,battery - output low
  - landing light(s) - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - flare - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - recovery from bounced landing - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE ABOUT 10 MINUTES FROM THE DESTINATION AIRPORT.  THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING AN INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES PERSONAL FLIGHT DURING A BRIGHT NIGHT UNDER VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. THE PILOT REQUESTED AND RECEIVED RADAR VECTORS FOR A STRAIGHT IN APPROACH TO THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. THE AIRPLANE LANDED HARD, AND THE NOSE GEAR WAS DAMAGED DURING THE SECOND TOUCHDOWN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3053N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3053N), registered now, S/N 28-7990288, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7990288
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Golden Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Mazze Air
- Registered owner: Golden Enterprises, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: PDX, PORTLAND, OR
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: FAT, Fresno Air Terminal, runway 11, 7,206 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 217 total, 64 in this make and model, 190 as pilot in command, 76 in the last 90 days, 63 in the last 30 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 330° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAT, 1 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 19930730029489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930730029489A), Jul 30, 1993: Piper PA28181, Fresno, CA, Substantial damage. Alternator quit en route at night made hard landing collapsing nose gear. Was unable to use landing light.

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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