# NTSB LAX86LA033: Piper PA-32R-301T, N2512Y, San Diego, CA, November 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 6, 1985, 18:02 local (Nov 7, 1985, 02:02 UTC)
- Place: San Diego, CA
- Coordinates: 32.710716, -117.159378 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7107&lon=-117.1594&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25013
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25013/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA033

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, missed approach (ifr)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - haze/smoke (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE FLT DEPARTED IN VFR CONDITIONS AFTER A WX BRIEFING WHICH INDICATED THAT CLEAR SKIES AND UNRESTRICTED VISIBILTY EXISTED AND WERE FORECASTED AT THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. ON ARRIVAL THE PLT REQUESTED AND RECEIVED CLEARANCE FOR AN INSTRUMENT APCH. WHEN THE FLT WAS ON A 2-MI FINAL AT 2000 FT, THE CONTROLLER INITIATED A MISSED APCH. THE PLT RESPONDED AND THEN STATED THAT WE WOULD PREFER TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE ARPT. A CLEARANCE WAS ISSUED AND THE RADIO AND RADAR CONTACT WERE LOST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2512Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2512Y-2013-02-11), registration cancelled 2013-02-11, S/N 32R-8529020, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301T (PA-32R-301)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-301) (registry code 7103218) (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: 32R-8529020
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Rick Mathews
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 17, 1985
- Departed: FUL, FULLERTON, CA
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: SAN, Lindbergh International

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 758 total, 141 in this make and model, 625 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 320° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,200 ft overcast
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAN, 9 nm away

## 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 19851106057039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851106057039A), Nov 6, 1985: Piper PA32R301, San Diego, CA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. After missed approach, requested return to departure point. ATC issued a turn and climb. Aircraft impacted ocean.

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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