# NTSB LAX83LA352: Piper PA-22-108, N5737Z, Mammoth Lakes, CA, July 22, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1983, 15:39 local (22:39 UTC)
- Place: Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Coordinates: 37.580211, -118.839057 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5802&lon=-118.8391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23794
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA352
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23794/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA352

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - aircraft performance,climb capability - exceeded (contributing factor)
  - performance data - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES WHILE TRYING TO MANEUVER THROUGH A MOUNTAIN PASS AT 13000 FT MSL WITH THE TEMPERATURE AT 82DEGREES. THE PLT STATED THAT THE ACFT STARTED A HIGH SINK RATE. HE CHECKED THE THROTTLE, MAGS AND MIXTURE BUT WAS FORCEDTO SETTLE INTO THE TREES ABOUT 1 MILE WEST OF MAMMOTH LAKES ARPT. THE DENSITY ALT WAS ABOUT 17200 FT. THE SERVICE CEILING OF A PA-22 IS 12000 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5737Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5737Z-2013-02-01), registration cancelled 2013-02-01, S/N 22-9576, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-108
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-108](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-108) (registry code 7102204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-9576
- Airframe hours: 1635
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1B 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Berj A. Nerguizian
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 3, 1982, 100 hours before
- Departed: UDD, PALM DESERT, CA
- Destination: 022, SONORA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 500 total, 135 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BTH, 40 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 19830722034689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830722034689A), Jul 22, 1983: Piper PA22108, Mammoth Lakes, CA, Destroyed. Pilot was attempting to fly through a mountain pass when an extreme sink rate was encountered.

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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