# NTSB LAX86LA054: Piper PA-22, N3334A, Deer Valley, AZ, December 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 4, 1985, 17:05 local (Dec 5, 1985, 00:05 UTC)
- Place: Deer Valley, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.679656, -112.089691 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6797&lon=-112.0897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25029
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA054
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25029/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA054

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - normal
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER BEGINING DESCENT FROM 7,500 FT. M.S.L. THE ACFT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. PRIOR TO DESCENT THE PLT RICHENED THE MIXTURE AND APPLIED CARB HEAT. THE PILOT RADIOED HIS POSITION & SITUATION TO DEER VALLEY TOWER, DEER VALLEY, ARIZONA WHILE NEGOTIATING AN EMERGENCY LANDING. PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH SOME CACTUS BUSHES. THE ACCIDENT SITE IS LOCATED ABOUT 14 MILES NORTHWEST OF DEER VALLEY ARPT. THE POST ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DISCLOSED THE CARB BOWL CONTAINED ABOUT 1 1/2 CUP OF WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3334A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3334A-2012-09-11), registration cancelled 2012-09-11, S/N 22-1608, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22) (registry code 7102202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-1608
- Airframe hours: 2011
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John A. Hook
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1984
- Departed: CDC, CEDAR CITY, UT
- Destination: DVT, DEER VALLEY, AZ
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: DVT, Deer Valley

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 1,430 total, 80 in this make and model, 1,150 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DVT, 12 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 19851204060889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851204060889A), Dec 4, 1985: Piper PA22, Deer Valley, AZ, Substantial damage. During en route descent, engine quit. Hit cactus plant on approach to a road. Water found in carburetor bowl.

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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