2 fatalities

Piper PA-28-161 Crashes and Burns Near Susanville, California (N47472)

Susanville, CA, US

On June 8, 1990, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N47472) was involved in an aviation accident near Susanville, CA. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION ON THE PART OF THE PILOT WHEN HE MISJUDGED THE AIRCRAFT'S CLIMB IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO RISING 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-28-161 crashed and burned about 8 miles northwest of Susanville, California, while returning from Susanville to Klamath Falls. The pilot and passenger perished. Weather was excellent VFR.

Accident Details

The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-161, was on the return leg of a flight that originated in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The pilot departed Susanville, California, for the return journey. Approximately 8 miles northwest of Susanville, the aircraft crashed and burned. The accident site was located roughly on a direct course toward Klamath Falls, at an elevation about 100-200 feet below Susanville Peak. The pilot and passenger perished in the accident.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, weather was reported as excellent VFR (Visual Flight Rules). This indicates that conditions were suitable for visual flight.

Fuel Status

The pilot had reported that the aircraft had four hours of fuel on board at the time of takeoff from Susanville. No further details on fuel consumption were provided.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28-161. No registration or additional details about the aircraft were given in the initial report.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jun 1990 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Susanville, CA?

A Piper PA-28-161 crashed and burned about 8 miles northwest of Susanville, California, while returning from Susanville to Klamath Falls. The pilot and passenger perished. Weather was excellent VFR.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jun 1990 Piper PA-28-161 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jun 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N47472, at Susanville, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION ON THE PART OF THE PILOT WHEN HE MISJUDGED THE AIRCRAFT'S CLIMB IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO RISING TERRAIN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23535. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.