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Casualties unknown

Noninstrument-Rated Pilot's Night Flight Ends in Mountainous Terrain (N4510J)

Groveland, CA, US

On December 6, 1994, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration N4510J) was involved in an aviation accident near Groveland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime descent into the airport over an unlighted mountainous area. 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 noninstrument-rated pilot flying regularly into Pine Mountain Airport crashed in mountainous terrain at 3,440 feet. Radar data showed a descent from 5,700 to 3,800 feet, with the last return near the crash site. The dark, moonless night and low clouds were reported by another pilot.

Accident Site

The accident site was located at 3,440 feet in mountainous terrain.

Pilot and Flight Information

The pilot was not instrument-rated but flew regularly into the Pine Mountain Airport.

Radar Data

Recorded radar data disclosed a secondary Mode C beacon target that disappeared within 1/4 mile of the accident site at the estimated time of the crash. The target maintained a relatively constant northeasterly heading while northwest of the airport. The aircraft began a descent from approximately 5,700 feet, and the last radar return showed the aircraft had descended to 3,800 feet MSL.

Weather and Lighting

A pilot at the airport stated that weather had been 'up and down' all day with low cloud layers moving through the area. He also noted that there were very few ground lights in the area of the crash, making it difficult to see the surrounding terrain on a dark night. The night was dark with no moon.

Communications

Cellular telephone records disclosed that the pilot made three phone calls during the last 10 minutes of the flight, with one uncompleted call recorded about the time of the accident.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Dec 1994 Piper PA-28R-180 accident near Groveland, CA?

A noninstrument-rated pilot flying regularly into Pine Mountain Airport crashed in mountainous terrain at 3,440 feet. Radar data showed a descent from 5,700 to 3,800 feet, with the last return near the crash site. The dark, moonless night and low clouds were reported by another pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Dec 1994 involved a Piper PA-28R-180, registration N4510J, at Groveland, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a nighttime descent into the airport over an unlighted mountainous area. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction by attempting to make several cellular telephone calls during a critical phase of flight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02735. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.