# NTSB LAX93LA373: Piper PA-28-140, N430FL, Lompoc, CA, September 30, 1993 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 30, 1993, 16:48 local (23:48 UTC) - Place: Lompoc, CA - Coordinates: 34.599094, -120.389732 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5991&lon=-120.3897&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report August 1, 1994 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28493 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA373 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28493/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA373 ## Probable cause was fuel starvation. A factor in the accident was the mechanic's inadequate inspection of the airplane. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb - fluid,fuel - starvation (cause) - maintenance,inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency - terrain condition - rough/uneven ## Analysis According to the pilot, during initial climb on the maintenance test flight the airplane gained between 250 and 300 feet altitude when the engine backfired two times and quit. The pilot stated that he turned the airplane to avoid colliding with obstacles and crashed into a plowed wet field. Exam of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical failures. Fuel was found in both fuel tanks and the fuel pumps were found functional. No fuel was found in the carburetor. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot, who was also an A & P mechanic, had performed maintenance on the airplane. The last annual inspection had been completed over seven years earlier, and the airplane had not been flown since that time. ## Factual narrative On September 30, 1993, at 1648 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N430FL, experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb from the Lompoc Airport, Lompoc, California. The airplane crashed into a rough, open field adjacent to the airport and was substantially damaged. The private pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the maintenance test flight. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, witnesses reported hearing a "popping noise" during the airplane's takeoff. Thereafter, the airplane stopped gaining altitude. In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report," NTSB Form 6120.1, he reported that after taking off from runway 25 the airplane climbed between 250 and 300 feet and then "the engine backfired two times and quit." The pilot reported that he turned left to avoid obstacles and crashed into a plowed wet field. The purpose of the flight was to evaluate recently performed maintenance accomplished by the pilot, who also possessed an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate. The FAA further indicated that the airplane had neither received an annual inspection nor been issued a ferry flight permit. The FAA reported that the examination of the wreckage indicated the flight control system had continuity, there was fuel in both tanks, and oil was present in the engine case. Also, the magnetos produced spark, and the fuel pumps were found functional. The FAA also reported that the tear-down inspection of the engine "did not reveal any internal failure of any components including all accessories." The carburetor fuel inlet screen was found clean, and the "carburetor bowl did not contain any fuel." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N430FL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N430FL-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 28-7125213, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140 - 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: 28-7125213 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 140 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 91 - Operator: Patrick A. Marshall - Registered owner: Vernon And Mary Copeland - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Airport: LPC, Lompoc, runway 25, 3,600 × 100 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 350 total, 75 in this make and model, 300 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 250° at 5 knots, gusting 8 - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 39 °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 19930930037139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930930037139A), Sep 30, 1993: Piper PA28140, Lompoc, CA, Substantial damage. Test flight engine backfired and quit on takeoff. Crashed wet field no anomalies. Idle for years. Fuel starvation. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.