# NTSB LAX88LA011: Piper PA-28-161, N4342B, San Luis Obispo, CA, October 10, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 9, 1987, 20:00 local (Oct 10, 1987, 03:00 UTC)
- Place: San Luis Obispo, CA
- Coordinates: 35.250999, -120.62088 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2510&lon=-120.6209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25883
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX88LA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25883/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA011

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, descent - normal
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT BECAME DISORIENTED WHEN HE INADVERTENTLY FLEW INTO A LAYER OF FOG WHILE MAKING AN ENROUTE DESCENT FOR LANDING AT HIS DESTINATION. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXECUTE A CLIMBING COURSE REVERSAL. THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE APPROACH HE LOST CONTACT WITH ALL GROUND LIGHTS AND ENTERED A SHARP BANK IN AN EFFORT TO TURN AROUND AND CLIMB. 'THE ABRUPT MANEUVERS AND TOTAL LACK OF GROUND REFERENCE CAUSED ME TO BECOME DISORIENTED.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4342B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4342B-2013-07-19), registration cancelled 2013-07-19, S/N 28-8416050, built 1984 (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: 28-8416050
- Airframe hours: 1579
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Larry F. Burnette
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1987, 84 hours before
- Departed: SJC, SAN JOSE, CA
- Destination: SBP, SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 207 total, 195 in this make and model, 182 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SBP, 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 19871010059349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871010059349A), Oct 10, 1987: Piper PA28161, San Luis Obispo, CA, Substantial damage. Lost ground reference on night approach when encountering a fog bank hit trees on a hillside. Didnt check altitude.

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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