# NTSB MIA89LA029: Piper PA-28-151, N4815F, Lajas, PR, November 11, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 11, 1988, 13:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Lajas, PR
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 28, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32358
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA029
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32358/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA029

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT FILLED THE FUEL TANKS, MADE THREE TOUCH-&-GO LANDINGS, THEN DEPARTED ON A X-COUNTRY FLT. AFTER APRX 1.5 HRS OF FLT, HE ELECTED TO REVERSE COURSE & LAND AT AN ALTERNATE ARPT SINCE HE HAD INADEQUATE FUEL TO REACH HIS DESTN. REALIZING THE FUEL SUPPLY WAS ALSO INADEQUATE TO REACH THE ALTERNATE, HE THEN ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A PVT AIRSTRIP. DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A STEEL CABLE SUPPORTED BY A DRUM (ONE OF MANY STRUNG ACROSS THE RWY TO PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED USE). THE HOBBS METER INDICATED THE PLANE HAD BEEN FLOWN 4.5 HRS SINCE REFUELING.THE PLT STATED HE DID NOT PERFORM FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. THE LEFT & RIGHT FUEL TANKS WERE DRAINED & FOUND TO CONTAIN 1.8 & 2.6 GALLONS, RESPECTIVELY. UNUSABLE FUEL FOR EACH TANK WAS ONE GALLON.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4815F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4815F), registered now, S/N 28-7715069, built 1976 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7715069
- Airframe hours: 3497
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Isla Grande Flying School
- Registered owner: Flight World, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 20, 1988, 29 hours before
- Departed: SIG, SANJUAN, PR
- Destination: NONE, ISLA MONA, PR
- Airport: NONE, Lajas (Pvt)

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,200 total, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TJMZ, 43 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 19881111050379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881111050379A), Nov 11, 1988: Piper PA28151, Lajas, Puerto Rico, Substantial damage. Low on fuel, elected to land at a Private Airport. Struck a steel cable stretched across runway to discourage use.

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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