# NTSB LAX94LA364: Rockwell 114, N114FF, Poway, CA, September 16, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 15, 1994, 17:57 local (Sep 16, 1994, 00:57 UTC)
- Place: Poway, CA
- Coordinates: 32.969093, -117.020492 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9691&lon=-117.0205&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 18, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28860
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA364
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28860/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA364

## Probable cause

fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and failure to refuel the aircraft prior to departure.

## 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
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- In flight collision with object, emergency descent/landing
  - object - wire,transmission

## Analysis

THE PILOT'S DESTINATION AIRPORT WAS 31.3 NAUTICAL MILES FROM THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. THE PILOT AND TWO PASSENGERS TOOK OFF AND FLEW FOR ABOUT 12 MINUTES BEFORE EXPERIENCING A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED AS IT APPROACHED A HIGHWAY DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. AT THE ACCIDENT SITE, THE AIRPLANE WAS EXAMINED TO DETERMINE THE QUANTITY OF FUEL WHICH REMAINED IN THE ENGINE AND ALL FUEL TANKS. LESS THAN 1 PINT OF FUEL WAS OBSERVED IN THE AIRPLANE.

## Factual narrative

On September 15, 1994, at 1757 hours Pacific daylight time, a Rockwell International Model 114, N114FF, experienced a total loss of engine power in cruise flight near Poway, California.  During the emergency landing on Highway 67, the airplane collided with power lines and was substantially damaged.  Neither the private pilot nor the two passengers were injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed.

At 1745, the pilot departed from the Warner Springs (uncontrolled) Airport, Warner Springs, California.  According to the operator, the pilot had planned to fly directly to Gillespie Field, El Cajon, California.  The direct route distance between these airports was about 31.3 nautical miles.

At the accident site, the airplane was examined to determine the quantity of fuel which remained in the engine and all fuel tanks. Less than 1 pint of fuel was observed in the airplane.

The National Transportation Safety Board requested by letter dated September 23, 1994, that the pilot complete the required Safety Board "Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report," Form 6120.1/2.  The pilot was verbally requested to complete the form on September 29, 1994.  On April 14, 1995, the pilot's residence was telephoned and a message was left for the pilot to submit the required form.  As of April 21, 1995, the Safety Board has not received the required form.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N114FF](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N114FF), registered now, S/N 14012, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Rockwell 114
- Registry model: [Rockwell International 114](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-114) (registry code 7630314) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540-T4A5D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-t4a5d) (registry code 41803, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14012
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-T4B5D 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Eddies Aero Service
- Registered owner: Maslon Aircraft Enterprises
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: CL35, WARNER SPRINGS, CA
- Destination: SEE, EL CAJON, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19940915027899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940915027899A), Sep 15, 1994: Gulstm 114, Poway, CA, Substantial damage. Lost power en route on short cross country flight. Struck power lines landing on a road. Fuel tanks were empty.

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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