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Casualties unknown

Pilot Disorientation Leads to Cartwheel and Postcrash Fire After Takeoff (N9192W)

Jackpot, NV, US

On March 4, 1994, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N9192W) operated by Jack L. Anderson was involved in an aviation accident near Jackpot, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft after his loss of visual contact with outside references. Factors in the accident were the dark night lighting conditions and spatial disorientation. 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

After takeoff from runway 15, the pilot climbed to 300 feet, began a left crosswind turn, lost visual reference with the horizon, became disoriented, and descended until the left wing struck terrain. The aircraft cartwheeled 200 yards and a postcrash fire destroyed it.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot's report, the flight began with a takeoff from runway 15. After lifting off, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of 300 feet. The pilot then initiated a left crosswind turn. During this turn, the pilot reported losing visual reference with the horizon. This resulted in spatial disorientation, causing the pilot to unknowingly allow the aircraft to descend. The descent continued until the left wing contacted the terrain.

Upon ground contact, the aircraft cartwheeled for approximately 200 yards before coming to rest. Subsequently, a postcrash fire ignited and destroyed the aircraft.

Pilot Information

The pilot held an instrument rating for airplanes but indicated that the rating was not current at the time of the accident.

Damage and Aftermath

The aircraft was completely destroyed by the fire that followed the impact. No information regarding injuries or fatalities was provided in the source.

Loss of control in flightSpatial disorientation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 1994 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Jackpot, NV?

After takeoff from runway 15, the pilot climbed to 300 feet, began a left crosswind turn, lost visual reference with the horizon, became disoriented, and descended until the left wing struck terrain. The aircraft cartwheeled 200 yards and a postcrash fire destroyed it.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9192W, operated by Jack L. Anderson, at Jackpot, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft after his loss of visual contact with outside references. Factors in the accident were the dark night lighting conditions and spatial disorientation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00922. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.