LAX94LA148

The pilot reported that after takeoff from runway 15 he initially climbed 300 feet and began a left crosswind turn. The pilot said that after beginning the turn he subsequently lost visual reference with the horizon, became disoriented, and unknowingly allowed the aircraft to descend until the left wing contacted the terrain below. The aircraft cartwheeled approximately 200 yards until coming to rest. The pilot was instrument rated in airplanes, but said he was not current. After impact, a postcrash fire ignited which subsequently destroyed the aircraft.

On March 3, 1994, at 2140 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28- 235, N9192W, impacted rising terrain during a night takeoff from Jackpot, Nevada. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot and was on a personal cross-country flight conducted in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Visual meteorological conditions were prevalent at the time and no flight plan had been filed for the operation. The aircraft was destroyed by a postcrash fire. The certificated private pilot and two of his three passengers were seriously injured. A third passenger received minor injuries. The flight originated from Idaho Falls, Idaho, at 1700 on the day of the occurrence.

In a verbal statement to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) coordinator, the pilot reported that he and his passengers had flown to Jackpot, Nevada, for dinner and were returning to Idaho Falls, Idaho. After takeoff from runway 15, the pilot said he initially climbed 300 feet and began a left crosswind turn. He then stated that after beginning the turn he subsequently lost visual reference with the horizon, became disoriented, and unknowingly allowed the aircraft to descend until the left wing contacted the terrain below. The aircraft cartwheeled approximately 200 yards until coming to rest. The pilot was instrument rated in airplanes, but said he was not current.

After impact, a postcrash fire ignited which subsequently destroyed the aircraft. One passenger was able to help the seriously injured pilot and two other passengers egress the burning aircraft. In addition to his other traumatic injuries, the pilot suffered burn injuries to his left foot. The FAA coordinator requested that the Elko Sheriff's Office order toxicology reports on the pilot and all passengers. The results were reported as negative on all occupants of the aircraft.