# NTSB ANC86FA009: Piper PA-32-300, N74DJ, Quinhagak, AK, November 16, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 16, 1985, 19:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Quinhagak, AK
- Coordinates: 59.740036, -161.890426 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=59.7400&lon=-161.8904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal, 1 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4584
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86FA009
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4584/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86FA009

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - normal
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper use of procedure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - inadequate surveillance of operation, faa(organization) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - company-induced pressure, company/operator management (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper training, company/operator management (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper initial training, company/operator management (cause)
  - lack of total experience, company/operator management (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON THE FROZEN LEVEL TUNDRA AT NIGHT WHILE ON A PART 135 AIR TAXI FLIGHT FROM BETHEL TO QUINHAGAKI ALASKA. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALLED THE COMMERICIAL RATED AIR TAXI PILOT DID NOT HAVE A 135 AIR TAXI CHECK RIDE OR COMPETENCY CHECK. THE PILOT'S CERTIFICATE PROHIBITED HIM TO CARRY PASSENGERS FOR HIRE AT NIGHT OR MORE THAN 50 MILE CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. AT TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE WEATHER WAS BELOW VFR CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT DID NOT RECEIVE A WEATHER BRIEFING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N74DJ (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-40872
- Airframe hours: 4500
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1AS 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Julian F. Lapage
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 12, 1985, 10 hours before
- Departed: BET, BETHEL, AK
- Destination: AQH, QUINHAGAK, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,400 total, 65 in this make and model, 1,175 as pilot in command, 225 in the last 90 days, 65 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 34 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19851116059609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851116059609A), Nov 16, 1985: Piper PA32300, Quinhagak, AK, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Encountered turbulence while flying at low altitude. Struck tundra before control regained. Unqualified pilot.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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