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NTSB Report
November 23, 1985 · Piper PA-23-250 · N5353Y
Tustin, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 23, 1985
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Tustin, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-23-250
Tail Number
N5353Y
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX86LA046
THE PLT'S MECHANIC PERFORMED A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION OF THE ACFT. NO MALFUNCTIONS WERE DETECTED WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, & THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE PLT THAT THE ACFT WAS OVERALL 'IN GOOD CONDITION.' LATER IN THE DAY THE PLT PURCHASED THE ACFT, & AFTER OBSERVING THAT ITS MAIN FUEL TANKS WERE VIRTUALLY FULL HE TOOK OFF. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, WITH FULL MAIN FUEL TANKS THE ACFT'S ENDURANCE WOULD BE 2.8 HRS. DURING THE FLIGHT THE PLT OBSERVED THE MAIN TANKS' FUEL GAUGES, & THEY INDICATED THE FUEL LEVEL TO BE AT 1/2 & 1/4 CAPACITY. 10 MIN LATER BOTH ENGINES LOST ALL POWER, & PLT MADE A FORCED LDG IN AN UNDERLYING SOFT FIELD. EXAM OF THE FUEL TANKS' BLADDERS REVEALED THAT SOME OF THE SNAP FASTENERS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE TOPS OF THE BLADDERS WERE EXCESSIVELY WEATHER CHECKED & HAD SHRUNK.
Full Narrative
THE PLT'S MECHANIC PERFORMED A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION OF THE ACFT. NO MALFUNCTIONS WERE DETECTED WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, & THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE PLT THAT THE ACFT WAS OVERALL 'IN GOOD CONDITION.' LATER IN THE DAY THE PLT PURCHASED THE ACFT, & AFTER OBSERVING THAT ITS MAIN FUEL TANKS WERE VIRTUALLY FULL HE TOOK OFF. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, WITH FULL MAIN FUEL TANKS THE ACFT'S ENDURANCE WOULD BE 2.8 HRS. DURING THE FLIGHT THE PLT OBSERVED THE MAIN TANKS' FUEL GAUGES, & THEY INDICATED THE FUEL LEVEL TO BE AT 1/2 & 1/4 CAPACITY. 10 MIN LATER BOTH ENGINES LOST ALL POWER, & PLT MADE A FORCED LDG IN AN UNDERLYING SOFT FIELD. EXAM OF THE FUEL TANKS' BLADDERS REVEALED THAT SOME OF THE SNAP FASTENERS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE TOPS OF THE BLADDERS WERE EXCESSIVELY WEATHER CHECKED & HAD SHRUNK.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:50 PST
Nearest AirportJohn Wayne Arpt (12nm ENE)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-23-250
Tail NumberN5353Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A18B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility3 sm
CeilingOvercast 2200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO