# NTSB LAX84FA107: Piper PA-28R-201T, N47947, Tehachapi, CA, December 21, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 21, 1983, 11:52 local (19:52 UTC)
- Place: Tehachapi, CA
- Coordinates: 35.120288, -118.509574 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1203&lon=-118.5096&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23919
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA107
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23919/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA107

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND AFTER STALLING DURING A RIGHT CLIMBING TURN INTO CLOUDS. WITNESSES REPORTED THAT THE INITIAL CLIMB ATTITUDE WAS 'VERY STEEP'. NO ONE OBSERVED THE CRASH BUT THE ENGINE RPM 'REVVED UP' TO A VERY HIGH RPM 4-5SECONDS PRIOR TO THE SOUND OF THE CRASH. THE GROUND SCARS AND THE WRECKAGE INDICATE THAT THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND IN ANEAR VERTICAL NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE. THE ACFT CAME TO REST INVERTED ABOUT 66 FT FROM INITIAL IMPACT. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED NO PRE-IMPACT FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS IN EQUIPMENT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SHOW THAT THE PLT RECEIVED ANY WEATHER BRIEFING. THE VISIBILITY WAS ABOUT 2.5 SM AND THE CEILING WAS 600 FT OVERCAST. THERE WERE SNOW SHOWERS 1/2 MILE WEST OF THE ARPT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N47947](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N47947-2012-12-13), registration cancelled 2012-12-13, S/N 28R-7803044, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-201T (PA-28R-201)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-201T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-201t) (registry code 7102813) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-7803044
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-360-F 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Bruno R. Beilcke
- Registered owner: James W. Robel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 3, 1983
- Destination: TOA, TORRANCE, CA
- Airport: TSP, Tehachapi, runway 29, 4,000 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Day
- Wind: 290° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 28 °F

## 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 19831221062949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831221062949A), Dec 21, 1983: Piper PA28R201T, Tehachapi, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff into IMC.

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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