# NTSB LAX84LA426: Piper PA-31-350, N3110M, San Carlos, AZ, December 13, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 12, 1983, 19:45 local (Dec 13, 1983, 02:45 UTC)
- Place: San Carlos, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.539928, -110.4691 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5399&lon=-110.4691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24361
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA426
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24361/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA426

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A NIGHT LANDING ON A ROAD, THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED WHEN IT HIT A BERM. ACCORDING TO CUSTOMS OFFICIALS. THE PLT HAD CIRCLED WHILE GROUND PERSONNEL PLACED ROWS OF LIGHTS ADJACENT TO THE ROAD, THEN HE LANDED. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THAT ILLEGAL DRUGS HAD BEEN UNLOADED, THEN THE ACFT WAS INTENTIONALLY SET ON FIRE. THE PLT WAS NOT IDENTIFIED. HE WAS PRESUMED NOT TO HAVE BEEN INJURED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3110M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3110M-2012-11-29), registration cancelled 2012-11-29, S/N 31-7552126, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-350
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31-350](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31-350) (registry code 7103110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31-7552126
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-J2BD 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Bear Mountain Development Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: UNKNOWN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark

## 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 19831212075529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831212075529A), Dec 12, 1983: Piper PA31350, San Carlos, AZ, Substantial damage. Aircraft landed at night off airport, hit berm. This was illegal drug flight and aircraft was purposely burned.

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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