# NTSB LAX83FVG03: Piper PA-28-161, N1949H, Lincoln, CA, November 27, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: November 26, 1982, 20:05 local (Nov 27, 1982, 04:05 UTC)
- Place: Lincoln, CA
- Coordinates: 38.929985, -121.249794 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9300&lon=-121.2498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 26, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71431
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83FVG03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71431/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83FVG03

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT TOOK OFF AT ABOUT 2003 PST. THE WEATHER AT THE MARYSVILLE FSS (20 NM NORTH) WAS; THIN OBSCURED, 500 FT OVERCAST, 2 MILES VISIBILITY WITH FOG. THE PLANE CRASHED ABOUT 1800 FT NORTHEAST OF RUNWAY 33.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1949H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1949H-2014-09-10), registration cancelled 2014-09-10, S/N 28-7716068, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-771606F
- Airframe hours: 862
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Darril Spencer Jr.
- Registered owner: Darril Spencer Jr.
- Departed: 051, LINCOLN, CA
- Airport: 051, Lincoln Municipal, runway 33, 3,700 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Observed at: MYV, 20 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 19821127061609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821127061609A), Nov 27, 1982: Piper PA28161, Lincoln, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft found in open field 1200 feet off end of runway. No witnesses or time of crash.

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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