History of Flight
On October 2, 2012, about 2024 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7895W, struck high tension power lines near Beatty Airport (BTY) in Beatty, Nevada. The airplane was operated by the commercial pilot under Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The flight originated from Reno/Stead Airport (RTS) at about 1520 with an intended destination of Henderson Executive Airport (HND) in Henderson, Nevada. The pilot had originally departed Snohomish County Airport in Everett, Washington, with three planned fuel stops.
The pilot reported attempting to arrive at HND before a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) became active. The TFR allowed Air Traffic Control (ATC) to authorize transit operations if the aircraft had a discrete transponder code assigned before departure. About 40 miles west of the Las Vegas VOR, the pilot made several radio transmissions to obtain a discrete code but received no response on two frequencies, including the recommended frequency for TFR transit. Low on fuel and with darkness approaching, the pilot diverted to BTY. He initiated a straight-in visual approach to runway 34 and configured for landing. He saw the airport beacon but could not activate runway lighting. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 69, held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine land and instrument ratings. A second-class medical certificate was issued on August 9, 2012, with no limitations. He reported 1,528 total flight hours. He had flown at night only twice in the previous two years: on November 11, 2011, and October 7, 2010.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a Piper PA-28-180. Refueling records at RTS showed the aircraft was topped off with about 28 gallons of 100 low-lead fuel at about 1510 on the accident day.
Meteorological Information
At 1952, the automated weather observation station at BTY reported calm wind, visibility 10 statute miles, clear sky, temperature 26°C, dew point -9°C, and altimeter 29.92 inHg. Density altitude was calculated at 5,222 feet. Sunset was at 1821, civil twilight ended at 1847, and moonrise was at 1943. The moon was waning gibbous with 93% illumination.
Communications
Before departure from RTS, the pilot discussed the TFR with Reno Flight Service Station (FSS). He was concerned about the TFR and believed he could fly into HND on the accident day. Reno FSS advised that the TFR was in effect and that he needed to file the appropriate flight plan and squawk the proper code. The pilot inquired about obtaining the code on the ground, but the FSS advised that ATC would want to speak with him in the air.
Airport Information
Beatty Airport is a non-towered airport with field elevation 3,169 feet. It has one asphalt runway, 16/34, 5,615 feet long and 60 feet wide. Medium-intensity runway edge lights are installed but not pilot-controlled. No runway end identifier lights, touchdown point lights, PAPI, or VASI are installed. No published instrument approaches exist.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane struck power lines about 1 mile south of BTY. The lines were about 50 feet high and oriented north-south. The fuselage came to rest on its right side on a magnetic heading of about 225°. Debris was scattered within 175 feet. The fuselage, engine, tail, and left wing were east of the power lines; the right wing and other sections were west. Fire consumed the airframe, engine, and inboard wing portions. The accident site elevation was about 2,976 feet.
Tests and Research
Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine found no evidence of mechanical anomaly or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The engine remained attached to the mounting assembly and sustained thermal damage. The propeller blades were scratched and bent aft. The flight control system exhibited no anomalies.
Additional Information
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) under number ZLA 2/9833 was effective from September 30 to October 3, 2012, for airspace around Las Vegas. It defined inner and outer core areas with specific requirements: aircraft must be on an IFR or VFR flight plan with a discrete code assigned by ATC. The pilot did not secure a discrete code before departure. Additionally, a NOTAM for BTY indicated the aerodrome was closed from September 24, 2012, 1300 to November 11, 2012, 0100.