Casualties unknown

1998-06-08: Piper PA-28R-200 (N16344) — Air Desert Pacific — Lytle Creek, CA

Lytle Creek, CA, US

On June 8, 1998, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N16344) operated by Air Desert Pacific was involved in an aviation accident near Lytle Creek, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's intentional VFR descent into instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in a collision with mountainous terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A non-instrument rated pilot conducting a VFR descent over mountainous terrain obscured by clouds crashed. The pilot was in contact with approach control and last reported at 5,300 feet MSL; wreckage was found at 5,250 feet MSL.

Incident Overview

A non-instrument rated pilot was returning from a cross-country flight when he contacted approach control and requested a VFR descent. The request was approved. The descent area was located over mountainous terrain that was obscured by clouds.

Flight Details

During the flight, the pilot maintained radio contact with approach control. In the last communication, the pilot reported that he was descending out of 5,300 feet mean sea level (MSL). Subsequently, the aircraft impacted terrain. The wreckage was located at an elevation of 5,250 feet MSL.

Accident Site

The accident site was in a mountain pass. Pilot reports confirmed that the pass was obscured by clouds at the time of the accident. The precise location of the wreckage was consistent with the pilot's last reported altitude.

No further details about the aircraft, pilot experience, or injuries were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.