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NTSB Report
January 6, 1982 · Boeing A75 · N59737
Near Bakersfiel, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 6, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Near Bakersfiel, CA
Aircraft
Boeing A75
Tail Number
N59737
Operator
William E Smith
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX82DVA10
THE PILOT WAS ENROUTE TO LAS VEGAS, NEVADA FOR A BANNER TOWING OPERATION. AS HE PROCEEDED EASTBOUND ALONG HIGHWAY 58, HE ENCOUNTERED FOG THAT WAS FORMING IN THE TEHACHAPI FOOTHILLS. HE INITIATED A 180 DEGREE TURN TO GO BACK, BUT INADVERTENTLY ENTERED IFR CONDITIONS. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE BECAME SPATIALLY DISORIENTED AND DESCENDED AS SLOWLY AS HE COULD, BUT THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE SIDE OF A HILL.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS ENROUTE TO LAS VEGAS, NEVADA FOR A BANNER TOWING OPERATION. AS HE PROCEEDED EASTBOUND ALONG HIGHWAY 58, HE ENCOUNTERED FOG THAT WAS FORMING IN THE TEHACHAPI FOOTHILLS. HE INITIATED A 180 DEGREE TURN TO GO BACK, BUT INADVERTENTLY ENTERED IFR CONDITIONS. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE BECAME SPATIALLY DISORIENTED AND DESCENDED AS SLOWLY AS HE COULD, BUT THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE SIDE OF A HILL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBoeing A75
Tail NumberN59737
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam E Smith
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · W-670 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Ceiling100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time11:00