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NTSB Report
May 5, 1985 · Douglas DC3 · N157U
Perris, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (33 uninjured)
Location
Perris, CA
Aircraft
Douglas DC3
Tail Number
N157U
Operator
Perris Valley Paracenter
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX85FA240
THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. THE PILOT MANAGED TO STOP THE AIRCRAFT ON THE RUNWAY AND ALL 31 SKYDIVERS AND THE TWO MEMBER CREW EVACUATED WITHOUT INJURY. THE LEFT ENGINE PROPELLER HAD LOST ONE BLADE WHICH WAS FOUND SEVERAL DAYS LATER 3000 FEET WEST OF THE WRECKAGE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE FOUND TO SUBSTANTIATE COMPLIANCE WITH A MANDATORY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE ON THE PROPELLER BLADE.
Full Narrative
THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. THE PILOT MANAGED TO STOP THE AIRCRAFT ON THE RUNWAY AND ALL 31 SKYDIVERS AND THE TWO MEMBER CREW EVACUATED WITHOUT INJURY. THE LEFT ENGINE PROPELLER HAD LOST ONE BLADE WHICH WAS FOUND SEVERAL DAYS LATER 3000 FEET WEST OF THE WRECKAGE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE FOUND TO SUBSTANTIATE COMPLIANCE WITH A MANDATORY AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE ON THE PROPELLER BLADE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:20 PDT
Nearest AirportPerris Valley (0nm N)
Runway15
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftDouglas DC3
Tail NumberN157U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorPerris Valley Paracenter
Operating RulePart 125
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWright · R-1820-GC · Reciprocating · 1200
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (33 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured33
Total33
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 10 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 50
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:55
Weather SourceWFAC