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NTSB Report
January 29, 1982 · Piper 28-151 · N32678
Los Gatos, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 29, 1982
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Los Gatos, CA
Aircraft
Piper 28-151
Tail Number
N32678
Operator
James Williams
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX82FVM09
THE PILOT PREPARED TO DEPART ON A SCHEDULED COURIER RUN IN A PIPER PA-32, BUT WAS UNABLE TO START THE ENGINE. AFTER CONSULTING WITH COMPANY PERSONNEL, HE RENTED A PIPER PA-28-151, TRANSFERRED THE CARGO AND DEPARTED MONTEREY, CA ON A FLIGHT TO OAKLAND, CA. AFTER DEPARTING THE MONTEREY TRSA, HE CONTINUED WITH NO FAA FLIGHT PLAN. ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN LOCATED WITHIN THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, CA. RESIDENTS IN THE AREA REPORTED THAT THE VISIBILITY WAS FROM 20 TO 50 FT AND THAT THE BRANCHES OF THE TALL TREES COULD NOT BE SEEN WITH THE AID OF A FLASHLIGHT. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT ENGINE OR AIRFRAME FAILURES. THE CRASH SITE WAS WITHIN ONE MILE FROM A COURSE LINE BETWEEN THE MONTEREY AND OAKLAND AIRPORTS. THE OPERATOR HAD NOT RECEIVED APPROVAL TO USE THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRCRAFT IN ITS SCHEDULED AIR TAXI OERATION.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT PREPARED TO DEPART ON A SCHEDULED COURIER RUN IN A PIPER PA-32, BUT WAS UNABLE TO START THE ENGINE. AFTER CONSULTING WITH COMPANY PERSONNEL, HE RENTED A PIPER PA-28-151, TRANSFERRED THE CARGO AND DEPARTED MONTEREY, CA ON A FLIGHT TO OAKLAND, CA. AFTER DEPARTING THE MONTEREY TRSA, HE CONTINUED WITH NO FAA FLIGHT PLAN. ABOUT 30 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF, THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN LOCATED WITHIN THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS, CA. RESIDENTS IN THE AREA REPORTED THAT THE VISIBILITY WAS FROM 20 TO 50 FT AND THAT THE BRANCHES OF THE TALL TREES COULD NOT BE SEEN WITH THE AID OF A FLASHLIGHT. AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT ENGINE OR AIRFRAME FAILURES. THE CRASH SITE WAS WITHIN ONE MILE FROM A COURSE LINE BETWEEN THE MONTEREY AND OAKLAND AIRPORTS. THE OPERATOR HAD NOT RECEIVED APPROVAL TO USE THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRCRAFT IN ITS SCHEDULED AIR TAXI OERATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:20 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper 28-151
Tail NumberN32678
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorJames Williams
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
CeilingOvercast 20 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0