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Aircraft Collides with Terrain in High-Altitude Basin (N6274W)

Toms Place, CA, US

On August 6, 1989, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6274W) was involved in an aviation accident near Toms Place, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR TERRAIN OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE ENTERING A HIGH ELEVATION BASIN. 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

An aircraft collided with terrain after entering a high-elevation basin above 10,000 feet MSL, where density altitude exceeded actual altitude and climb performance was insufficient to outclimb the rising basin floor.

Accident Overview

An aircraft entered a high-elevation basin situated at an altitude exceeding 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) in a mountainous region. The rim of the basin was determined to be above 12,500 feet MSL. The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain. No evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction was found with the aircraft.

Terrain and Performance Factors

The density altitude at 10,500 feet MSL was calculated to be approximately 12,500 feet. The aircraft's best rate of climb was less than 400 feet per nautical mile. In the area of the accident site, the floor of the basin increased in elevation at a rate of about 400 feet per nautical mile.

Investigation Findings

Investigators noted the disparity between the aircraft's climb capability and the rising terrain gradient. No pre-existing mechanical issues were identified as contributing to the accident.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 1989 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Toms Place, CA?

An aircraft collided with terrain after entering a high-elevation basin above 10,000 feet MSL, where density altitude exceeded actual altitude and climb performance was insufficient to outclimb the rising basin floor.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6274W, at Toms Place, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR TERRAIN OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE ENTERING A HIGH ELEVATION BASIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WHICH REDUCED THE AIRCRAFT'S CLIMB PERFORMANCE TO LESS THAN THE RATE OF CLIMB OF THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29138. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.