Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Flight Ends in Collision with Power Lines and Post-Crash Fire (N6926B)

Compton, CA, US

On July 13, 1988, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N6926B) operated by Mason, Douglas A. was involved in an aviation accident near Compton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: STUDENT PILOTS FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY REMOVE MOISTURE FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM DURING HIS PREFLIGHT INSPECTION WHICH LED TO A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DURING A CRITICAL PHASE OF FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot and two passengers took off after engine difficulties during taxi; the engine sputtered after takeoff, leading to a collision with electrical transmission lines and a post-crash fire that destroyed the aircraft.

Preflight and Taxi

Before the flight, the student pilot drained a small amount of fuel from the aircraft's fuel sump. The student pilot and two passengers then boarded for a local flight. After the engine was started, it stopped four times while the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff.

Attempts to Address Engine Issues

A passenger reported that the student pilot used the fuel primer in an attempt to keep the engine running. Following an engine run-up, the pilot initiated the takeoff.

Takeoff and Collision

Just after takeoff, the engine began sputtering. The aircraft subsequently collided with electrical transmission lines and impacted the ground. A post-crash fire erupted and destroyed the aircraft.

Investigation

The investigation focused on the events leading up to the accident, including the engine stoppages during taxi and the use of the primer. No determination of probable cause was provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26261. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.