Accident Overview
On August 30, 2013, at approximately 1143 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-18-105 Special, registration N224T, was substantially damaged during a forced landing on a beach near Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The aircraft was registered to Van Wagner Aerial Media LLC., Hollywood, Florida, and operated under 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed for the local aerial advertising flight that originated from Compton, California, about 0925.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot's written statement to the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), he had topped off all three 18-gallon fuel tanks before the flight. After an uneventful run-up, he departed to pick up a banner with the left fuel tank selected. After picking up the banner, he climbed to 1,100 feet mean sea level (msl); switched to the right fuel tank; and flew west south of Los Angeles International Airport to the shoreline, then turned north toward Malibu. Reaching Point Dume, he made a 180-degree turn to a southerly course toward the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes.
During cruise at about 700 feet above ground level (agl), approximately half a mile offshore, the engine abruptly lost power. Despite switching fuel tanks, advancing the mixture to full rich, and applying carburetor heat, the pilot could not restart the engine. He jettisoned the banner and initiated a forced landing to a nearby beach. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over and came to rest partially in the ocean.
Aircraft Damage and Examination
An FAA inspector noted structural damage to both wings and the firewall. The wreckage was recovered for further examination. The NTSB IIC and Piper representatives examined the airframe and engine. Both wings had been separated from the fuselage by recovery personnel; wing skins had been cut open to remove accumulated sand. The right wing, with two 18-gallon fuel tanks, and its header tank were intact and undamaged. The left wing had a single 18-gallon fuel tank, which was breached. Fuel line continuity from both wings to the fuel selector valve was established, but the left tank lines were bent and punctured near fuselage damage. The fuel line was disconnected from the left header tank, consistent with impact damage.
The Lycoming O-360-A1A C1A engine (serial number L-4672-36) remained attached via engine mounts. The alternator, right magneto, and oil filter were attached; the left magneto was partially separated. Hand rotation of the crankshaft via the propeller established rotational continuity throughout the engine and valve train. Thumb compression and suction were obtained on all four cylinders. Both magnetos had impact damage; when rotated by hand, spark was obtained on four posts of each. The airframe fuel filter bowl was dry with a small amount of dirt sediment; the fuel screen was contamination-free. A slight amount of fuel was present in the fuel line from the filter to the carburetor.
Additional Information
For further details on the airframe and engine examination, refer to the NTSB Airframe and Engine Exam Summary in the public docket for this accident.