# NTSB LAX85FXQ01: Piper PA-28-161, N80530, Tahoe Paradise, CA, April 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: April 5, 1985, 11:05 local (19:05 UTC)
- Place: Tahoe Paradise, CA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24553
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FXQ01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24553/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FXQ01

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, climb
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT CONTACTED TREES AND THE TERRAIN DURING AN ATTEMPTED CLIMB IN A NARROW CANYON. THE PLT STATED HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO CLIMB IN ORDER TO CLEAR RISING TERRAIN IN THE CANYON WHEN A DOWNDRAFT WAS ENCOUNTERED. HE STATED, HE CLEARED THE TOP OF THE RIDGE AT 9000 FT WHEN THE DOWNDRAFT WAS EXPERIENCED AND THE LEFT WING CONTACTED TREES. LEVEL FLT COULD NOT BE MAINTAINED AND THE ACFT SETTLED INTO THE TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N80530](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N80530-2014-08-28), registration cancelled 2014-08-28, S/N 28-8216094, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8216094
- Airframe hours: 1335
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Executive Aero Systems, Inc
- Registered owner: Michael G. Gorman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, January 17, 1985, 86 hours before
- Departed: TVL, S. LAKE TAHOE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 665 total, 90 in this make and model, 635 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 20° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19850405011009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850405011009A), Apr 5, 1985: Piper PA28161, Tahoe Paradise, CA, Substantial damage. Flew into narrow box canyon on sightseeing flight. Hit trees and ground. Density altitude 11600 feet.

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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