# NTSB LAX82FA273: Piper PA-32-301, N8408X, Tonopah, NV, July 22, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1982, 22:19 local (Jul 22, 1982, 05:19 UTC)
- Place: Tonopah, NV
- Coordinates: 38.360363, -116.259246 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.3604&lon=-116.2592&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 21, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72838
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX82FA273
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72838/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX82FA273

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise - normal
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT IMPACTED THE EAST SLOPE OF A RIDGE AT 6500 FT MSL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8408X (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-301
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-8106078
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William Evans
- Registered owner: William Evans
- Departed: SAN JOSE, CA
- Destination: SALT LAKE CITY, UT
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 145 total, 9 in this make and model, 117 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 70 statute miles
- Temperature: 183 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19820721068829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820721068829A), Jul 21, 1982: Piper PA32301, Tonopah, NV, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Missing on night flight in mountain terrain. Wreckage found indicates loss of control. Vertical impact.

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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