# NTSB Accident LAX97FA292
> **Piper PA-34-200T** · 1997-08-18 · KERNVILLE, CA, USA · SERS
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX97FA292
- **Event ID:** 20001208X08664
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1997-08-18
- **Location:** KERNVILLE, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 35.729206, -118.390632
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** SERS
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 1
- **Minor:** 4
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 5
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Piper
- **Model:** PA-34-200T
- **Registration:** N6654A
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 2
- **Damage:** DEST
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to the operator's inadequate engine maintenance relating to excessively rich mixtures (high fuel flow rates) and spark plug/magneto deficiencies.  Contributing factors were degraded climb performance resulting from the high density altitude and the airplane loading which exceeded maximum weight and aft center of gravity limits.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX97FA292) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*