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NTSB Report
April 23, 1989 · Piper PA-28-235 · N8827W
Long Beach, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Long Beach, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Tail Number
N8827W
Operator
Richard Godwin
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA170
THE PILOT WAS NOT AUTHORIZED TO FLY THE AIRPLANE. HE DID STATE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT THE ENGINE QUIT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND HE WAS FORCED TO LAND IN A SOFT FIELD. THREE OF THE FOUR FUEL TANKS WERE FOUND TO BE EMPTY OR NEAR THE UNUSEABLE FUEL QUANTITY. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE 'OFF' POSITION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SELECT THE PROPER FUEL TANK FOR AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY FOR THE TAKOEFF.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS NOT AUTHORIZED TO FLY THE AIRPLANE. HE DID STATE AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT THE ENGINE QUIT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AND HE WAS FORCED TO LAND IN A SOFT FIELD. THREE OF THE FOUR FUEL TANKS WERE FOUND TO BE EMPTY OR NEAR THE UNUSEABLE FUEL QUANTITY. THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS FOUND IN THE 'OFF' POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time01:30 PDT
Nearest AirportLong Beach Daugherty Fld. (0nm N)
Runway25L
Runway Length5420 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN8827W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard Godwin
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B4B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT