Casualties unknown

Non-Instrument Rated Pilot Crashes in Mountainous Terrain During Thunderstorm Activity (N3646R)

Truckee, CA, US

On February 22, 1982, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N3646R) operated by Douglas Charles Crosby was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A non-instrument rated pilot on a return flight crashed in mountainous terrain at night, with thunderstorms reported in the area. Impact angle was 25 degrees downward on a downhill slope.

Accident Overview

The aircraft crashed on a dark night at an elevation of approximately 6,700 feet mean sea level in mountainous terrain. The impact angle was about 25 degrees downward on a downhill slope. The accident site was located approximately 15 miles south of Donner Pass.

Flight Information

The pilot, who was not instrument rated, was conducting a return flight from Livermore, California, to Truckee. A line of thunderstorms was reported in the area of the accident. According to available reports, Donner Pass was closed at 1800 due to thunderstorm activity.

Circumstances

No further details regarding the aircraft, occupants, or damage were provided in the source. The investigation did not state a probable cause for the accident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Feb 1982 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Truckee, CA?

A non-instrument rated pilot on a return flight crashed in mountainous terrain at night, with thunderstorms reported in the area. Impact angle was 25 degrees downward on a downhill slope.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Feb 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N3646R, operated by Douglas Charles Crosby, at Truckee, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02271. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.