# NTSB LAX84FA337: Piper PA-23-250, N5306Y, Barstow, CA, June 7, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: June 6, 1984, 21:40 local (Jun 7, 1984, 04:40 UTC)
- Place: Barstow, CA
- Coordinates: 34.970226, -116.989524 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9702&lon=-116.9895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23964
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84FA337
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23964/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA337

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed, pilot in command
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE FLT HAD ORIGINATED SOMEWHERE IN MEXICO & WAS BEING TRACKED BY DEA INVESTIGATORS UNTIL RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST. IN THE VICINITY OF AMBOY, CA AN ANONYMOUS CALLER HAD CONTACTED THE HIGHWAY PATROL & REPORTED A LOW FLYING ACFT NEAR AMBOY WITH NO VISIBLE NAVIGATION LIGHTS. AT 2140 PDT THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH HIGH TENSION WIRES WHEN HE CROSSED OVER HIGHWAY 40. THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED ON A SERVICE ROAD NEXT TO THE HIGHWAY.  THE AIRCRAFT BURNED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5306Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5306Y-2014-10-27), registration cancelled 2014-10-27, S/N 27-2379, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-23-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-23-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-23-250) (registry code 7102308) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2379
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1B5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: S. P. Pressman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 240° at 20 knots, gusting 33
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19840606023009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840606023009A), Jun 6, 1984: Piper PA23250, Barstow, CA, Destroyed. Struck wires flying low at night without nav lights. Had been tracked by dea. Pilot not identified. Owner not found

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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