# NTSB LAX94LA312: Piper PA-38-112, N25871, Warner Springs, CA, August 9, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1994, 14:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Warner Springs, CA
- Coordinates: 33.280857, -116.600006 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2809&lon=-116.6000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 27, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28820
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA312
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28820/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA312

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate visual lookout for livestock during takeoff.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - animal(s)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD, DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS ALONG HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT.  AFTER THE WEATHER IMPROVED, HE ATTEMPTED A TAKEOFF. DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A COW AND CRASHED.

## Factual narrative

On August 9, 1994, at 1445 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-38- 112, N25871, collided with livestock on the initial takeoff climb from a field near Warner Springs, California.  The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules personal flight to Calexico, California.  The airplane, registered to Lewis and Helman Inc., D.B.A. Bud Walen Aviation, Van Nuys, California, sustained substantial damage.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and neither the certificated private pilot nor his passenger were injured.  The flight originated at Van Nuys Airport, Van Nuys, California, with a planned landing at Perris Valley Airport, Perris, California.  The flight departed Perris Valley Airport at 1245 hours.

The pilot indicated in the aircraft accident report, that he elected to make a precautionary landing in an open field due to thunderstorm activity along his intended route of flight.  During the approach to the field, he noticed livestock in the area.

After the weather improved, the pilot elected to takeoff.  During the initial ground run the airplane struck a cow.  The pilot lost control and crashed.  No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N25871](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N25871-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 38-81A0077, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-81A0077
- Airframe hours: 5900
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2A 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lewis And Helman Inc., doing business as Bud Walen Aviation
- Registered owner: Lewis And Helman Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 29, 1994
- Departed: L65, PERRIS VALLEY, CA
- Destination: CXL, CALEXICO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 315 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19940809021059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940809021059A), Aug 9, 1994: Piper PA38112, Warner Springs, CA, Substantial damage. Landed in pasture due to thunderstorm. Struck a cow on takeoff from pasture after weather cleared.

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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