# NTSB LAX95LA265: Piper PA-28-151, N41521, San Luis Obispo, CA, July 22, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 22, 1995, 11:30 local (18:30 UTC) - Place: San Luis Obispo, CA - Coordinates: 35.249351, -120.620971 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2494&lon=-120.6210&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 30, 1995 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 29160 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA265 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29160/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA265 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to lower the flaps to the correct short field takeoff setting as specified in the aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - fence - short field takeoff/procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause) - lowering of flaps - not performed, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A SHORT/SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF FROM A PASTURE, BUT THE AIRPLANE DID NOT GET AIRBORNE BEFORE COLLIDING WITH A CHAIN LINK FENCE. THE PILOT DID NOT EXTEND THE FLAPS FOR THE TAKEOFF. ACCORDING TO THE PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK FOR THE AIRPLANE, THE FLAPS SHOULD BE EXTENDED 25 DEGREES FOR OBSTACLE CLEARANCE SHORT FIELD AND SOFT FIELD TAKEOFFS. ## Factual narrative On July 22, 1995, at 1130 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151, N41521, collided with a fence during an off-airport takeoff from a field near San Luis Obispo, California. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight by the pilot. The airplane was substantially damaged. The certificated private pilot received minor injuries, and the passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The preceding flight departed Fresno, California, earlier in the day and was destined for Oceano, California. The pilot changed her destination to San Luis Obispo after learning weather conditions at Oceano did not clear as forecasted. While on final approach to San Luis Obispo Airport, the air traffic control tower specialist requested that the pilot accomplish a 360-degree turn for spacing of traffic. The pilot stated she was in the process of completing the before-landing check, and inadvertently switched the fuel selector switch to the off position. The engine lost power and the pilot accomplished an uneventful off-airport landing in a field short of the airport. About 1 hour later, the pilot decided to attempt a takeoff from the field. The pilot told her passenger that he need not go along, however, the passenger insisted he accompany her. The pilot attempted a short/soft field takeoff, but the airplane did not get airborne before colliding with a chain link fence. The pilot stated to the Safety Board that she did not extend the flaps for the takeoff. According to the Pilot Operating Handbook for the Piper PA-28-151, the flaps should be extended 25 degrees for obstacle clearance short field and soft field takeoffs. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N41521](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N41521-1998-04-29), registration cancelled 1998-04-29, S/N 287415135 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-151 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-74151135 - Airframe hours: 5731 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: California Pilot Shop - Registered owner: Murray, Steve - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 6, 1995, 32 hours before - Destination: SBP ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 151 total, 3 in this make and model, 51 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: SBP, 3 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 19950722019319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950722019319A), Jul 22, 1995: Piper PA28151, San Luis Obispo, CA, Substantial damage. Attempted short field takeoff from pasture but failed clear fence. Did not use flaps per POH. 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.