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NTSB Report
July 19, 1985 · Piper PA-28-181 · N2640Q
Phelen, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 19, 1985
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Phelen, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N2640Q
Operator
Gary D Dellegatte
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX85FA322
AFTER RECEIVING A PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING 1 HOUR AND 20 MINUTES BEFORE TAKEOFF, THAT CAUTIONED OF LOWERING CEILINGS AND THUNDERSTORMS ALONG HIS PROPOSED FLT ROUTE, THE PLT TOOK OFF UNDER VFR. A FLT PLAN WAS NOT FILED. AS THE ACFT CLIMBED TO ITS CRUISE ALT OF 11500 FT, AN ARTC CONTROLLER, THAT WAS PROVIDING THE PLT WITH TRAFFIC ADVISORIES, ADVISED THE PLT THAT A BOEING 737 AHEAD OF HIS POSITION AND AT 12000 FT WAS REPORTING MODERATE HAIL AND TURBULENCE. THE CONTROLLER AND BOTH ACFT WERE ON THE SAME FREQUENCY. WHEN THE PA-28 REACHED THE LIMITS OF THE SECTOR IN WHICH IT WAS FLYING, THE CONTROLLER TERMINATED THE ADVISORY SERVICE. APRX 6 MINUTES LATER A GROUND WITNESS OBSERVED THE PA-28, WITH ONLY ONE WING ATTACHED, SPIN OUT OF THE OVERCAST AND IMPACT A MOUNTAIN RIDGE.
Full Narrative
AFTER RECEIVING A PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING 1 HOUR AND 20 MINUTES BEFORE TAKEOFF, THAT CAUTIONED OF LOWERING CEILINGS AND THUNDERSTORMS ALONG HIS PROPOSED FLT ROUTE, THE PLT TOOK OFF UNDER VFR. A FLT PLAN WAS NOT FILED. AS THE ACFT CLIMBED TO ITS CRUISE ALT OF 11500 FT, AN ARTC CONTROLLER, THAT WAS PROVIDING THE PLT WITH TRAFFIC ADVISORIES, ADVISED THE PLT THAT A BOEING 737 AHEAD OF HIS POSITION AND AT 12000 FT WAS REPORTING MODERATE HAIL AND TURBULENCE. THE CONTROLLER AND BOTH ACFT WERE ON THE SAME FREQUENCY. WHEN THE PA-28 REACHED THE LIMITS OF THE SECTOR IN WHICH IT WAS FLYING, THE CONTROLLER TERMINATED THE ADVISORY SERVICE. APRX 6 MINUTES LATER A GROUND WITNESS OBSERVED THE PA-28, WITH ONLY ONE WING ATTACHED, SPIN OUT OF THE OVERCAST AND IMPACT A MOUNTAIN RIDGE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN2640Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGary D Dellegatte
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:55
Weather SourceWFAC