Piper PA-31-310 Navajo crash, Jun 20, 1997 (3 killed), Sa...
Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident on June 20, 1997 near San Diego-Brown Field, California, United States with 3 fatalities. Cause: Loss of power in the...
- Date: June 20, 1997
- Aircraft: Piper PA-31-310 Navajo
- Location: San Diego-Brown Field, California, United States
- Fatalities: 3
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: Loss of power in the left engine of undetermined cause, followed by the pilot's failure to keep minimum single-engine control speed; known equipment deficiencies were a contributing factor.
A Piper Navajo operated by San-Lo Aerial Surveys finished an aerial survey and landed at Brown Field to clear customs. On departure it was heard popping, then turned sharply and was seen inverted at a low altitude before it disappeared behind buildings and terrain. All three occupants died, and earlier maintenance records showed left-engine manifold pressure problems.