On February 10, 1990, a Piper PA-23-150 (registration N2118P) operated by Brian Beamer was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RAISE THE GEAR AND FLAPS DURING A GO-AROUND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN A PA-23. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Piper PA-23 executed a go-around after a traffic conflict with a Cessna 152, then climbed and descended into the ground. The pilot reported possible left engine power loss. Investigation found no mechanical issues, but automotive fuel was present in both tanks.
Accident Overview
A Piper PA-23 aircraft was on final approach behind a Cessna 152 performing touch-and-go landings. The air traffic controller instructed the Piper pilot to execute a go-around when it appeared the Piper was overtaking the Cessna. The Piper was observed to climb, then descend to the ground in a left turn.
Pilot Actions
The pilot indicated a possible loss of power on the left engine during the go-around and reported raising the landing gear and flaps. The pilot had accumulated 13 hours of flight time in the PA-23 type.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination of the aircraft after the accident revealed the flap selector in the full down position and the gear selector in the down and neutral position. Investigators found no evidence of a mechanical problem with the left engine. However, both fuel tanks contained traces of automotive fuel.
What happened in the 10 Feb 1990 Piper PA-23-150 accident near Long Beach, CA?
A Piper PA-23 executed a go-around after a traffic conflict with a Cessna 152, then climbed and descended into the ground. The pilot reported possible left engine power loss. Investigation found no mechanical issues, but automotive fuel was present in both tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Feb 1990 involved a Piper PA-23-150, registration N2118P, operated by Brian Beamer, at Long Beach, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RAISE THE GEAR AND FLAPS DURING A GO-AROUND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN A PA-23.
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