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NTSB Report
July 27, 1986 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3643W
Yosemite Nation, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 1986
Injury Outcomes
6 injuries (3 fatalities, 3 serious injuries)
Location
Yosemite Nation, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3643W
Operator
Paradise Flying Service
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX86FA303
AFTER FLYING LOW OVER YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK THE PIPER PA-32-260, OPERATING AS AN ON-DEMAND PASSENGER FLIGHT, CLIMBED EASTWARD INTO RISING TERRAIN. THE FLIGHT PATH SELECTED BY THE PILOT WAS APPROXIMATELY ONE MILE NORTH AND 1000 FEET HIGHER THAN TIOGA PASS (ELEVATION 9941) FEET). THE DENSITY ALTITUDE CALCUALTED FOR THE ACCIDENT WAS 12,500 AND THE AIRCRAFT'S PUBLISHED SERVICE CEILING IS 12,800 FEET AT MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT. THE EMPENNAGE STRUCK A BOULDER AS THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED UP A FIVE DEGREE UPSLOPING RIDGE THEN NOSED INTO THE GROUND. A POST CRASH FIRE DESTROYED THE CABIN AND ENGINE NACELLES.
Full Narrative
AFTER FLYING LOW OVER YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK THE PIPER PA-32-260, OPERATING AS AN ON-DEMAND PASSENGER FLIGHT, CLIMBED EASTWARD INTO RISING TERRAIN. THE FLIGHT PATH SELECTED BY THE PILOT WAS APPROXIMATELY ONE MILE NORTH AND 1000 FEET HIGHER THAN TIOGA PASS (ELEVATION 9941) FEET). THE DENSITY ALTITUDE CALCUALTED FOR THE ACCIDENT WAS 12,500 AND THE AIRCRAFT'S PUBLISHED SERVICE CEILING IS 12,800 FEET AT MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT. THE EMPENNAGE STRUCK A BOULDER AS THE AIRCRAFT CLIMBED UP A FIVE DEGREE UPSLOPING RIDGE THEN NOSED INTO THE GROUND. A POST CRASH FIRE DESTROYED THE CABIN AND ENGINE NACELLES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 PDT
Nearest AirportLee Vining (9nm WSW)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3643W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorParadise Flying Service
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary6 injuries (3 fatalities, 3 serious injuries)
Fatal3
Serious3
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total6
Crew 1Age 53 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:58
Weather SourceWFAC