# NTSB LAX93LA023: Piper PA-22-150, N3722Z, Reno, NV, November 1, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 1, 1992, 11:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.91048, -119.679565 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9105&lon=-119.6796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27853
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27853/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA023

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S POORLY PLANNED APPROACH, INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING WINDS, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPEREINCE AND INADVERTENT STALL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - planned approach - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND PASSENGER WERE PARTICIPATING IN A FLOUR BOMBING AND POWER OFF SPOT LANDING CONTEST.  AFTER COMPLETING THE FLOUR BOMBING EVENT THE PILOT ENTERED A LEFT DOWNWIND TO LAND ON A NORTH RUNWAY.  THE SURFACE WINDS WERE FROM THE WEST AT 10 MPH, GUSTING TO 20 MPH WITH ASSOCIATED DOWNDRAFTS OFF OF THE RIDGE WEST OF THE AIRPORT. THE AIRPLANE OVERSHOT THE FINAL APPROACH COURSE WHILE AT A LOW ALTITUDE AND SLOW AIRSPEED.  THE PILOT APPLIED POWER, BUT CONTINUED TO INCREASE THE BANK.  THE WING STALLED AND THE AIRPLANE CRASHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3722Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3722Z-1996-09-05), registration cancelled 1996-09-05, S/N 227596 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-7596
- Airframe hours: 2514
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Nelson, Kevin
- Registered owner: Nelson, Kevin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 9, 1991, 71 hours before
- Airport: NV18, Nevada Flyers, runway 34, 4,600 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 159 total, 69 in this make and model, 122 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19921101044499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921101044499A), Nov 1, 1992: Piper PA22150, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Accelerated stall from steep bank to realign after runway on overshoot. Unairworthy aircraft due outstanding ADS.

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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