# NTSB LAX94LA148: Piper PA-28-235, N9192W, Jackpot, NV, March 4, 1994 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 3, 1994, 21:40 local (Mar 4, 1994, 05:40 UTC) - Place: Jackpot, NV - Coordinates: 41.879619, -114.779602 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8796&lon=-114.7796&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 3 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28685 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA148 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28685/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA148 ## Probable cause the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft after his loss of visual contact with outside references. Factors in the accident were the dark night lighting conditions and spatial disorientation. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - light condition - dark night (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - proper climb rate - not maintained, pilot in command ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative 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. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9192W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9192W-1995-01-20), registration cancelled 1995-01-20, S/N 2810850 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-235 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-235) (registry code 7102810) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-10850 - Airframe hours: 2260 - Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Jack L. Anderson - Registered owner: Jack L. Anderson - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 14, 1993, 29 hours before - Destination: IDA, IDAHO FALLS, ID - Airport: 06U, Hayden Field, runway 15, 6,200 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 900 total, 900 in this make and model, 750 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: 160° at 4 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: TWF, 33 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 19940304003549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940304003549A), Mar 4, 1994: Piper PA28235, Jackpot, NV, Destroyed. Became disoriented due lack of ground lights on crosswind turnout. Left wing hit ground. Cartwheeled no current IFR 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.