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Night crash in mountainous terrain kills pilot (N50U)

Gorman, CA, US

On December 27, 1986, a Piper PA-28R-201 (registration N50U) operated by Gold Coast Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Gorman, CA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the terrain during a night cross-country flight, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft descended into mountains during a night cross-country flight. The surviving pilot was distracted by paperwork when the accident occurred at an elevation of 6,500 feet.

What happened

The aircraft descended into mountainous terrain during a night cross-country flight. The surviving pilot stated that he was attending to paperwork and when he looked up he turned on the landing light in time to see trees just prior to impact. He further stated that the right seat pilot was flying the aircraft at 8,500 feet when he last noticed. The accident occurred at an elevation of 6,500 feet.

The investigation

The surviving pilot's account indicates a loss of situational awareness due to distraction. The right seat pilot was flying the aircraft at 8,500 feet when he last noticed. The accident occurred at an elevation of 6,500 feet.

Findings

The accident occurred at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The surviving pilot stated that he was attending to paperwork and when he looked up he turned on the landing light in time to see trees just prior to impact. He further stated that the right seat pilot was flying the aircraft at 8,500 feet when he last noticed.

Safety message

The accident occurred at an elevation of 6,500 feet. The surviving pilot stated that he was attending to paperwork and when he looked up he turned on the landing light in time to see trees just prior to impact. He further stated that the right seat pilot was flying the aircraft at 8,500 feet when he last noticed.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the terrain during a night cross-country flight, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Dec 1986 Piper PA-28R-201 accident near Gorman, CA?

A single-engine aircraft descended into mountains during a night cross-country flight. The surviving pilot was distracted by paperwork when the accident occurred at an elevation of 6,500 feet.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Dec 1986 Piper PA-28R-201 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Dec 1986 involved a Piper PA-28R-201, registration N50U, operated by Gold Coast Air, Inc., at Gorman, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference with the terrain during a night cross-country flight, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35376. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.