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Mid-Air Collision Near Templeton Destroys Two Aircraft, Kills Five (N33TN)

Templeton, United States of AmericaFlight

On January 11, 1979, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N33TN) operated by Tamposi-Nash Real Estate Group was involved in an aviation accident near Templeton, United States of America in flight. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In-flight collision with another aircraft after the pilot failed to see and avoid other traffic while cruising in an uncontrolled area. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane and a Piper PA-60 Aerostar collided mid-air near Templeton while en route to different destinations. All five occupants were killed and both aircraft destroyed.

Accident

While cruising at altitude in good weather conditions, a twin-engine airplane en route from Concord to White Plains collided with a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith Aerostar 600). The Piper, registered N8011J and owned by Northeast Cellulose Inc, was en route from Boston to Syracuse with one pilot and one passenger.

Following the collision, both aircraft entered a dive and crashed near Templeton. The impact destroyed both aircraft and claimed the lives of all five occupants.

Aircraft

The Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith Aerostar 600) was operated by Northeast Cellulose Inc under registration N8011J. The other aircraft involved is described only as a twin-engine airplane; no further identifying details are available.

Aftermath

Emergency responders attended the crash site near Templeton. The wreckage of both aircraft was located and examined as part of the investigation.

Probable cause

In-flight collision with another aircraft after the pilot failed to see and avoid other traffic while cruising in an uncontrolled area
Midair collision

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jan 1979 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Templeton, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane and a Piper PA-60 Aerostar collided mid-air near Templeton while en route to different destinations. All five occupants were killed and both aircraft destroyed.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jan 1979 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jan 1979 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N33TN, operated by Tamposi-Nash Real Estate Group, at Templeton, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In-flight collision with another aircraft after the pilot failed to see and avoid other traffic while cruising in an uncontrolled area

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