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NTSB Report
January 30, 1989 · Piper PA-28-161 · N8163F
San Martin, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 30, 1989
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
San Martin, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N8163F
Operator
Condor Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA098
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RELAND AT THE AIRPORT, HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY AND AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT A SPARK PLUG WAS LOOSE. THE REMAINING PLUGS WERE SEVERELY LEAD AND CARBON FOULED. THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY TEST RUN AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A LOOSE SPARK PLUG WITH THE REMINAING PLUGS FOULED WITH CARBON DEPOSITS.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST PARTIAL POWER. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RELAND AT THE AIRPORT, HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY AND AN EMERGENCY LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT A SPARK PLUG WAS LOOSE. THE REMAINING PLUGS WERE SEVERELY LEAD AND CARBON FOULED. THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY TEST RUN AFTER THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 PST
Nearest AirportSouth County (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN8163F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCondor Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 2 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 36 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourceWFAC