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Aircraft Strikes Power Lines While Attempting to Locate Airport at Night (N5405S)

Lost Hills, CA, US

On December 3, 1992, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5405S) operated by Hixson, Robert W. was involved in an aviation accident near Lost Hills, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, AND DELAY IN EFFECTING ANY REMEDIAL ACTION. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY BECOMING LOST/DISORIENTED AND THE DARK NIGHT. 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

A flight with 10 gallons of fuel departed into a mountainous area at night. The pilot became lost, reported low fuel, and was vectored to an airport. Unable to identify the airport or activate runway lights, the pilot descended and struck power lines, burning two passengers.

Accident Details

The flight departed with 10 gallons of fuel heading toward a mountainous area during a dark night.

Sequence of Events

While en route, the pilot became lost and disoriented. He contacted the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and reported a low fuel state. The controller vectored the flight to the nearest airport. Upon arrival, the pilot could not identify the airport or turn on the runway lights while circling over it. In an attempt to identify the airport, the pilot descended toward it. During the descent, the airplane struck some power lines.

Injuries and Damage

There was no post-impact fire. The two passengers sustained burns on their arms from the severed power lines.

Investigation Findings

The investigation revealed that the runway lights activated normally by clicking the microphone using the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), as indicated in the Airport/Facility Directory.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Dec 1992 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Lost Hills, CA?

A flight with 10 gallons of fuel departed into a mountainous area at night. The pilot became lost, reported low fuel, and was vectored to an airport. Unable to identify the airport or activate runway lights, the pilot descended and struck power lines, burning two passengers.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Dec 1992 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Dec 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5405S, operated by Hixson, Robert W., at Lost Hills, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, AND DELAY IN EFFECTING ANY REMEDIAL ACTION. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT INADVERTENTLY BECOMING LOST/DISORIENTED AND THE DARK NIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X16177. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.