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NTSB Report
June 8, 1990 · Piper PA-28-161 · N47472
Susanville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 8, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Susanville, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N47472
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA90FA098
THE PILOT OF THE PIPER PA-28-161 DEPARTED SUSANVILLE, CA ON THE RETURN LEG OF A FLIGHT THAT ORIGINATED IN KLAMATH FALLS, OR. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED AND BURNED APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES NORTHWEST OF SUSANVILLE, APPROXIMATELY ON A DIRECT COURSE TOWARDS KLAMATH FALLS, ABOUT 100-200 FEET BELOW SUSANVILLE PEAK. THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER PERISHED. WEATHER WAS EXCELLENT VFR AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, AND THE PILOT HAD STATED THAT HE HAD FOUR HOURS FUEL ON BOARD AT THE TIME OF HIS TAKEOFF.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION ON THE PART OF THE PILOT WHEN HE MISJUDGED THE AIRCRAFT'S CLIMB IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO RISING TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT OF THE PIPER PA-28-161 DEPARTED SUSANVILLE, CA ON THE RETURN LEG OF A FLIGHT THAT ORIGINATED IN KLAMATH FALLS, OR. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED AND BURNED APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES NORTHWEST OF SUSANVILLE, APPROXIMATELY ON A DIRECT COURSE TOWARDS KLAMATH FALLS, ABOUT 100-200 FEET BELOW SUSANVILLE PEAK. THE PILOT AND HIS PASSENGER PERISHED. WEATHER WAS EXCELLENT VFR AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, AND THE PILOT HAD STATED THAT HE HAD FOUR HOURS FUEL ON BOARD AT THE TIME OF HIS TAKEOFF.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:10 PDT
Nearest AirportSusanville (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN47472
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:30
Weather SourceWFAC