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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 7, 1998 · Piper PA-28-181 · N84451

El Cajon, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 7, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
El Cajon, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N84451
Operator
Golden State Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX98LA186

The instructor pilot was departing with two beginning student pilots for a local area flight. The instructor stated that during the initial climb, about 50 to 100 feet above ground level, the engine lost power and he performed a forced landing beyond the departure end of the runway. The airplane was substantially damaged during the forced landing. According to an FAA inspector on scene, during the preflight the fuel gascolator drain may have been left open during the preflight. The flight instructor was counseled by the FAA on preflight procedures.

NTSB Probable Cause

The certified flight instructor's inadequate preflight which led to fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. A related factor was the unsuitable terrain.

Full Narrative

On June 7, 1998, at 1117 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, N84451, operated by Golden State Aviation of San Diego, California, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at El Cajon, California. Neither the instructor pilot nor the two dual student pilots were injured. The aircraft was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local instructional flight. The instructor pilot was departing with two beginning student pilots for a local area flight. He stated that during a departure climbout from runway 27L, about 50 to 100 feet agl, the engine quit and he force landed beyond the runway end. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector on-scene, the fuel sump drain may have been left open during the preflight causing fuel starvation during climb. No other discrepancies were found with the airplane by the inspector. The flight instructor was counseled by the FAA regarding preflight procedures.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:17 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN84451
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGolden State Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 26 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:17
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data