# NTSB SEA85LA078: Piper PA-32-300, N2965A, Fish Lake Valle, NV, March 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 12, 1985, 18:10 local (Mar 13, 1985, 02:10 UTC)
- Place: Fish Lake Valle, NV
- Coordinates: 35.490112, -114.88919 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4901&lon=-114.8892&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40132
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85LA078
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40132/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85LA078

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,tire - inadequate (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll

## Analysis

DURING LANDING ROLL THE ACFT VEERED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT AND STRUCK AN IRRIGATION SPRINKLING SYSTEM. THE OPERATOR DISCOVERED THAT THE VALVE STEM TO THE TIRE HAD BROKEN AND THE PLT HAD LANDED WITH A FLAT TIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2965A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2965A), registered now, S/N 32-7940236, built 1979 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 327940236
- Airframe hours: 1480
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Desert Southwest Airlines
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 7, 1985
- Departed: P53, COTTONWOOD LAND, AZ
- Destination: 9CA6, FISH LAKE VALLE, NV
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: 9CA6, North Valley

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial, airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 24,682 total, 154 in this make and model, 18,751 as pilot in command, 113 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19850312009809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850312009809A), Mar 12, 1985: Piper PA32300, Fish Lake Valle, NV, Substantial damage. Veered off side of runway upon touchdown. Left main tire deflated, valve stem had broken off.

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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