# NTSB LAX83FA424: Piper PA-32-301T, N8196J, San Marcos, CA, September 6, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 6, 1983, 00:26 local (07:26 UTC)
- Place: San Marcos, CA
- Coordinates: 33.150203, -117.169784 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1502&lon=-117.1698&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23503
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FA424
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23503/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FA424

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AT APRX 2209 PDT, THE PLT DEPARTED FRESNO, CA ON A NIGHT, VFR, X-COUNTRY FLT. HE CANCELLED HIS VFR FLT PLAN AT 0009 PDT & LANDED AT RAMONA, CA AT 0012. AFTER LANDING, HE CALLED HIS WIFE TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE WX AT PALOMAR, CA. SHE LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW & REPORTED THAT SHE COULD SEE STARS. THE PLT THEN TOOK OFF AT APRX 0017 FOR A 23 MI FLT. APRX 15 MI WEST OF RAMONA, THE ACFT CRASHED ON THE SIDE OF A HILL IN A GROVE OF AVOCAD TREES AT AN ELEVATION OF ABOUT 1000 FT MSL. ACCORDING TO LOCAL RESIDENTS, THE WX WAS FOGGY WITH APRX 1/2 MI VISIBILITY, THE CEILING WAS ABOUT 300 FT, THE WIND WAS CALM & THE TEMP WAS 56 DEG. REPORTEDLY, THE FOG HAD BEEN IN THE VALLEY FOR 2 TO 3 HRS. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ACCIDENT SITE & WRECKAGE REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF AN IN-FLT STRUCTURAL FAILURE OR LOSS OF POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8196J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8196J-1983-12-14), registration cancelled 1983-12-14, S/N 32-8024013 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-301T
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-301T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-301t) (registry code 7103209) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 8024013
- Airframe hours: 1388
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Horizon Enterprises Ltd.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 2, 1983, 30 hours before
- Departed: FAT, FRESNO, CA
- Destination: CNM, CARLSBAD, CA
- Flight plan: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 200 total, 20 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °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 19830906047179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830906047179A), Sep 6, 1983: Piper PA32301T, San Marcos, CA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Lost control of aircraft after flying into thick fog at night on a 23 mile flight. VFR was not recommended.

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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