# NTSB LAX84LA303: Piper PA-32RT-300, N30298, Avalon, CA, May 20, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 20, 1984, 11:55 local (19:55 UTC)
- Place: Avalon, CA
- Coordinates: 33.379829, -118.450592 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3798&lon=-118.4506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24270
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA303
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24270/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA303

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - gear extension - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT FLEW TO CATALINA ISLAND, THEN FLEW NORTHWEST ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND. HE STATED THAT HE THEN MADE A CLIMBING LEFT TURN OVER THE ISLAND FROM ABOUT 500 FT MSL, BUT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT AT 1000 FT MSL, WHICH SLOWED THE ACFT BELOW THE AUTOMATIC GEAR LOWERING SPEED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AT ABOUT 1400 FT MSL. GROUND WITNESS REPORTED THE ACFT WAS FLYING LOW OVER THE GROUND PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30298](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N30298-1984-12-11), registration cancelled 1984-12-11, S/N 32R-7885084 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32RT-300 (PA-32RT-30)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300) (registry code 7103215) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7885084
- Airframe hours: 1721
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540 SER 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Setac Investment Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 2, 1984, 24 hours before
- Departed: SNA, SANTA ANA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 555 total, 47 in this make and model, 546 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 57 °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 19840520017579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840520017579A), May 20, 1984: Piper PA32RT300, Avalon, CA, Substantial damage. Aircraft was observed flying low and then colliding with a tree. Pilot claims he encountered downdraft.

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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