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Casualties unknown

Pilot Not Informed of Airport Closure During Incomplete Weather Briefing (N47628)

LA Verne, CA, US

On May 2, 1994, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N47628) operated by Paul A. Gordon was involved in an aviation accident near LA Verne, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A FLIGHT ROUTE AND EN ROUTE DESCENT ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION AND THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 pilot requested only current and forecast destination weather from FSS, missing a NOTAM about the airport closing. En route, ATC advised the closure. The pilot turned back, but the aircraft descended and impacted terrain in the foothills north of Los Angeles.

Flight Briefing

The pilot contacted the Flight Service Station (FSS) and requested only the current and forecast weather for the destination airport. A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) regarding the closure of the destination airport was not provided to the pilot during this briefing.

En Route Communication

While en route, the pilot contacted air traffic control (ATC) to request VFR advisories through the Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA) to the destination airport. ATC then informed the pilot that the destination airport was closed for the night. Shortly after, the pilot reported that he would return to the Claremont area.

Radar and Impact

Recorded radar data indicated that the airplane reversed course, climbed from 6,500 feet to 7,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), and then began a descent that continued until impact with terrain in the foothills immediately north of the Greater Los Angeles Basin. The last recorded Mode C altitude was 3,400 feet MSL. The accident site was at an elevation of 2,600 feet MSL.

Toxicological Examination

Toxicological examination of the pilot revealed the presence of therapeutic levels of pseudoephedrine (0.64 mg/L in blood, 0.15 mg/L in liver), promethazine (3.4 mg/kg in liver), and brompheniramine (3.0 mg/kg in liver). Promethazine is prohibited for use by pilots while flying. The pilot had been suffering from a cold at the time of the accident.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 1994 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near LA Verne, CA?

A pilot requested only current and forecast destination weather from FSS, missing a NOTAM about the airport closing. En route, ATC advised the closure. The pilot turned back, but the aircraft descended and impacted terrain in the foothills north of Los Angeles.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 1994 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N47628, operated by Paul A. Gordon, at LA Verne, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF A FLIGHT ROUTE AND EN ROUTE DESCENT ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION AND 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/20001206X01312. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.