Casualties unknown

Aircraft crashes into senior housing after runway excursion and stall (N67145)

Clearlake, CA, US

On December 31, 1982, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N67145) operated by Beverly A. Walker was involved in an aviation accident near Clearlake, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing and subsequent takeoff attempt, which resulted in a stall and collision with power lines and terrain. 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 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft touched down hard, veered off the runway, attempted to take off again, stalled, hit power lines, and crashed into a senior citizens housing complex.

What happened

The aircraft was observed touching down at approximately one-half to two-thirds of the runway length. The touchdown occurred at a high rate of speed. Following the initial contact, the aircraft veered to the right, leaving the paved surface and entering adjacent brush. After navigating through the vegetation, the aircraft returned onto the runway.

Power was applied as the aircraft became airborne again. However, the aircraft entered a stall attitude shortly after lift-off. While in this stalled condition, the aircraft turned to the left. During the turn, it struck three high-voltage power lines. The impact with the lines resulted in a crash into a nearby senior citizens housing complex.

The investigation

The available source material does not provide specific details regarding mechanical examinations or post-accident inspection findings beyond the observed flight path and physical impacts described above.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing and subsequent takeoff attempt, which resulted in a stall and collision with power lines and terrain.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Dec 1982 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Clearlake, CA?

An aircraft touched down hard, veered off the runway, attempted to take off again, stalled, hit power lines, and crashed into a senior citizens housing complex.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Dec 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N67145, operated by Beverly A. Walker, at Clearlake, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing and subsequent takeoff attempt, which resulted in a stall and collision with power lines and terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04829. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.