LAX96LA262

Witnesses reported that as the 1942 vintage airplane approached runway 22 for landing its engine made unusual sputtering sounds. The airplane passed between 300 and 500 feet over the approach end of the runway while in a left descending turn. The bank angle increased, and the airplane spun into the ground about 150 yards from the runway. Three months earlier, restoration work had been completed which included replacing parts, recovering the airframe, and installation of an overhauled engine. By the accident date, the pilot/owner had flown the airplane for a total of 5.0 hours. The entire airplane was located at the crash site, and no evidence of preimpact airframe system failures was observed. Fuel was observed dripping out of the front end of the fuselage. Examination of the impact damaged airframe, engine and accessories including the carburetor, magnetos, propeller, oil and fuel screens, did not reveal evidence of preimpact failures or malfunctions.

History of flight

On July 5, 1996, about 0820 hours Pacific daylight time, a Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR, N57017, experienced a partial loss of engine power followed by an in-flight loss of control on approach to runway 22 at the Santa Paula Airport, Santa Paula, California. The airplane spun into the level ground about 150 yards northeast of the approach end of the runway. The airplane was destroyed, and the private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Riverside, California, at 0720.

Over 1/2-dozen witnesses reported observing the airplane approach the airport, and also hearing its engine. The witnesses generally reported seeing the airplane descend as it proceeded toward the runway. Two witnesses estimated that the airplane passed between 300 and 500 feet over the runway while in a descending turn. One of these witnesses reported that the airplane lost altitude rapidly after crossing above the runway, and then the airplane's left bank angle increased until the airplane "just fell...straight down." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinator reported the airplane appeared to have collided with the ground while in a near vertical nose down pitch attitude.

Regarding operation of the engine, the witnesses reported that as the airplane descended the engine made unusual sounds. The witnesses described the noise as sputtering, missing, revving up and down, or not running. One witness reported that he heard the engine rpm vary from idle to cruise speed.

Airplane and personnel information

The airplane was manufactured in 1942 by Ryan Aeronautical, and was designated a model PT22, serial number 41-20897. The airplane was equipped with dual flight controls.

The original maintenance records were not located. Maintenance included: installation of an overhauled engine; airframe part replacement; airframe recovering; and restoration work was completed in April, 1996. Following this work the airplane received an annual inspection.

The pilot purchased the airplane in 1988. The pilot first flew the airplane on April 27, 1996. By the accident date he had flown the airplane for a total of 5.0 hours.

Tests and research

According to the FAA, due to the severity of the impact complete documentation of the flight control system was not possible. However, the entire airplane was located at the crash site, and no evidence of preimpact airframe system failures were observed.

Rescue personnel who responded to the accident site reported observing fuel dripping out of the front end of the fuselage. The FAA's examination of the impact damaged engine and accessories including the carburetor, magnetos, propeller, oil and fuel screens, did not reveal evidence of preimpact defects. (See the attached FAA airworthiness inspector report for additional details.)

Medical and pathological information

On July 5, 1996, autopsies were performed on both pilots by the Ventura County Coroner's Office, Ventura, California. The FAA conducted toxicological examinations on specimens from both pilots. No drugs or ethanol was detected.