# NTSB SEA82DA104: Piper PA-32-300, N1119X, 51 Nm Ese Yakut, AK, July 8, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1982
- Place: 51 Nm Ese Yakut, AK
- Coordinates: 59.509361, -139.709594 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=59.5094&lon=-139.7096&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 8, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69658
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA82DA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69658/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA82DA104

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING DEPARTURE, HE PROCEEDED EAST ALONG THE ALSEK RIVER AND ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ALSEK GLACIER WHILE CLIMBING TO 6200 FT. HE THEN DECIDED THAT THE INTENDED ROUTE WAS CLOSED DUE TO LOW CLOUDS AND HE INITIATED A TURN TO REVERSE COURSE. REPORTLY, A LEFT TURN WAS COMMENCED AND "ONE NOTCH OF FLAPS SET." THE PILOT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER THAT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. HE REPORTED THAT THE MIXTURE, PROPS AND THROTTLE WERE ADVANCED, BUT THERE WAS NO INCREASE IN POWER. HE SWITCHED THE FUEL SELECTOR FROM THE RIGHT TO THE LEFT MAIN TANK AND TURNED ON THE BOOST PUMP. HE STATED THE PLANE CONTINUED TO LOSE ALTITUDE AND CONTINUATION OF THE TURN WAS IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO TERRAIN. HE DECIDED TO TRY AND CROSS OVER THE GLACIER AND LAND ON A SOLID STRETCH OF ICE, BUT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND THE PLANE CRASHED. A SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION AND TEST RUN OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - icy (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1119X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1119X-1983-06-25), registration cancelled 1983-06-25, S/N 32-7540145 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 327540145
- Airframe hours: 4192
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1A5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 135
- Operator: L.A.B. Flying Service
- Registered owner: L.A.B. Flying Service
- Departed: C, DRY BAY, AK
- Destination: C, HAINES, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,850 total, 400 in this make and model, 120 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 95 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19820708026359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820708026359A), Jul 8, 1982: Piper PA32300, Alsek Glacier, AK, Destroyed. The aircraft impacted a Glacier while attempting a turn. The pilot reported loss of engine power.

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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