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NTSB Report
August 27, 1990 · Ryan Navion · N4220K
San Diego, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 27, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Ryan Navion
Tail Number
N4220K
Operator
David L Smith
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA306
THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING INITIAL CLIMB AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A FREEWAY GUARDRAIL DURING THE FORCED LANDING. INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED A BLOCKAGE IN THE FUEL INLET SCREEN. THE BLOCKAGE WAS IDENTIFIED AS A SMALL PIECE OF RUBBER HOSE INTERLINER. RECORDS INDICATE THE FUEL HOSE WAS FABRICATED AND INSTALLED ON THE AIRCRAFT ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 19, 1990, AT ABOUT 38 TACH HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. RECORDS ALSO INDICATE THE ENGINE WAS MAJOR OVERHAULED ON DECEMBER 12, 1989, AT WHICH TIME ALL FUEL, OIL AND HYDRAULIC HOSES WERE REPLACED.
NTSB Probable Cause
FUEL STARVATION CAUSED BY BLOCKAGE OF FUEL INLET SCREEN BY PIECE OF IMPROPERLY INSTALLED FUEL HOSE.
Full Narrative
THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING INITIAL CLIMB AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A FREEWAY GUARDRAIL DURING THE FORCED LANDING. INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED A BLOCKAGE IN THE FUEL INLET SCREEN. THE BLOCKAGE WAS IDENTIFIED AS A SMALL PIECE OF RUBBER HOSE INTERLINER. RECORDS INDICATE THE FUEL HOSE WAS FABRICATED AND INSTALLED ON THE AIRCRAFT ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 19, 1990, AT ABOUT 38 TACH HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. RECORDS ALSO INDICATE THE ENGINE WAS MAJOR OVERHAULED ON DECEMBER 12, 1989, AT WHICH TIME ALL FUEL, OIL AND HYDRAULIC HOSES WERE REPLACED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:02 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRyan Navion
Tail NumberN4220K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid L Smith
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · E185 · Reciprocating · 205
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWFAC