Casualties unknown

Piper PA-34 Crashes in Mountainous Terrain Near Las Vegas (N1956H)

Near Las Vegas, NV, US

On January 5, 1982, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N1956H) operated by Lang Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Near Las Vegas, NV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-34 on a Part 135 VFR flight to transport bank checks crashed at the 9,500-foot level on the west side of Mount Charleston, about 30 miles west of Las Vegas.

Accident Details

The aircraft, a Piper PA-34, was conducting a VFR flight under Part 135 regulations to transport bank checks. Another pilot from the same company, flying a Cessna 207, reported that he encountered instrument meteorological conditions at 9,500 feet while en route from Tonopah to Las Vegas, Nevada. The Cessna pilot communicated with the Piper pilot via radio; according to the Cessna pilot, the Piper pilot indicated he would remain at 9,500 feet.

The wreckage of the Piper was discovered at the 9,500-foot level in mountainous terrain approximately 30 miles west of Las Vegas. The crash site was located on the western slope of Mount Charleston. The aircraft had impacted a slope with an angle of about 30 degrees while traveling on an easterly heading.

The report did not specify any injuries or damage to the aircraft beyond the crash details. No probable cause was provided in the initial source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jan 1982 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Near Las Vegas, NV?

A Piper PA-34 on a Part 135 VFR flight to transport bank checks crashed at the 9,500-foot level on the west side of Mount Charleston, about 30 miles west of Las Vegas.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jan 1982 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N1956H, operated by Lang Air Service, at Near Las Vegas, NV.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02254. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.