On June 7, 1984, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5306Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Barstow, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft under DEA surveillance originated in Mexico, lost radar contact, struck high-tension wires near Amboy, California, and burned on a service road.
Incident Overview
An aircraft that had originated in Mexico and was being tracked by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigators collided with high-tension wires near Amboy, California. The aircraft was destroyed by fire after the impact.
Sequence of Events
The flight was under DEA surveillance until radar contact was lost. In the vicinity of Amboy, an anonymous caller contacted the California Highway Patrol, reporting a low-flying aircraft with no visible navigation lights. At 2140 Pacific Daylight Time, the aircraft struck high-tension electrical wires while crossing over Highway 40. The wreckage came to rest on a service road adjacent to the highway, and the aircraft burned.
Investigation
The accident scene was located on a service road next to Highway 40. The condition of potential occupants and the cause of the accident have not been disclosed. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.