# NTSB LAX82FA161: Smith Aerostar 600, N8007J, Burbank, CA, May 8, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 8, 1982, 06:16 local (13:16 UTC)
- Place: Burbank, CA
- Coordinates: 34.169979, -118.309753 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1700&lon=-118.3098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal; on the ground: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 8, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70082
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FA161
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70082/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA161

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb - to cruise
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate transition/upgrade training, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight into known adverse weather - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT DEPARTED INTO IFR CONDITIONS WITH A NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT IN THE LEFT FRONT SEAT AND HIS WIFE, AN INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT, IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. AFTER THE PILOT REPORTED CLIMBING THROUGH 2800 FT MSL, THE RADAR CONTROLLER OBSERVED THAT THE AIRCRAFT DEVIATED FROM THE COURSE AND BEGAN TO LOSE ALTITUDE. HE ATTEMPTED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE PILOT, BUT WAS UNABLE. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRCRAFT MANEUVER IN AND OUT OF THE OVERCAST. TWO WITNESSES WATCHED IT CHANGE COURSE TO THE RIGHT FROM SOUTHEAST TO NORTHWEST, PULL UP INTO THE OVERCAST, THEN DIVE OUT OF THE CLOUDS IN A NEAR VERTICAL ATTITUDE AND CRASH. DURING AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE, NO PREIMPACT, MECHANICAL FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESIGNED TO BE FLOWN IN INSTRUMENT CONDITIONS FROM ONLY THE LEFT FRONT SEAT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8007J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8007J-2014-11-19), registration cancelled 2014-11-19, S/N 60-0493-160, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SMITH AEROSTAR 600
- Registry model: [Smith AEROSTAR 600](https://openairdocs.org/model/smith-aerostar-600) (registry code 8360602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 60-0493-160
- Airframe hours: 709
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-KIJ5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Judith Gill Wagner
- Registered owner: Judith Gill Wagner
- Departed: BUR, BURBANK, CA
- Destination: FARMINGTON, NV
- Airport: BUR, Burbank, runway 15, 6,920 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 17,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 136 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BUR, 3 nm away

## 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 19820508014349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820508014349A), May 8, 1982: Piper PA60600, Burbank, CA, Destroyed. Aircraft crashed out of control shortly after takeoff in IMC. Pilot in right seat was instrument rated.

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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