# NTSB LAX94LA242: Hayes/Pietenpol AIR Camper, N76TC, Blythe, CA, June 7, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 7, 1994, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Blythe, CA
- Coordinates: 33.749225, -114.509582 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7492&lon=-114.5096&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 14, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 28763
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA242
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28763/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA242

## Probable cause

The pilot's unexpected encounter with a downdraft while flying at an improper altitude in mountainous terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, maneuvering
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly

## Analysis

The pilot was assisting in a search for a missing person while flying in mountainous terrain.  He was flying at a low altitude  when he encountered a downdraft and collided with the terrain.  He reported no mechanical problems with the aircraft.

## Factual narrative

On June 7, 1994, about 1400 hours Pacific daylight time, a Hayes/Pietenpol Air Camper homebuilt aircraft, N76TC, crashed while maneuvering near Blythe, California.  The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local personal flight when the accident occurred.  The airplane, registered to and operated by the pilot, was destroyed.  The certificated private pilot and passenger received serious injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated from Blythe.

According to the pilot, he was assisting in a search for a missing person.  The pilot indicated that while maneuvering over the desert he encountered a downdraft and collided with the terrain.  He did not indicate any mechanical malfunction.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N76TC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N76TC-2013-09-17), registration cancelled 2013-09-17, S/N 01 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: HAYES/PIETENPOL AIR CAMPER
- Registry model: [Hayes/Pietenpol AIRCAMPER](https://openairdocs.org/model/hayes-pietenpol-aircamper) (registry code 056237D) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C75 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c75-series) (registry code 17005, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 01
- Airframe hours: 136
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-75-8F 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Henry C. Hayes
- Registered owner: Henry C. Hayes
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, May 10, 1994, 18 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,325 total, 136 in this make and model, 1,300 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 106 °F

## 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 19940607014399A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940607014399A), Jun 7, 1994: Amtrpl AIRCAMPER, Blythe, CA, Destroyed. While maneuvering low altitude looking for lost person collided with ground. Blamed downdraft. Wind light.

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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