NTSB Identification: LAX84LA303.
The docket is stored on NTSB microfiche number 24085.
Accident occurred Sunday, May 20, 1984 in AVALON, CA
Aircraft: PIPER PA-32RT-300, registration: N30298
Injuries: 2 Serious.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.THE PLT FLEW TO CATALINA ISLAND, THEN FLEW NORTHWEST ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND. HE STATED THAT HE THEN MADE A CLIMBING LEFT TURN OVER THE ISLAND FROM ABOUT 500 FT MSL, BUT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT AT 1000 FT MSL, WHICH SLOWED THE ACFT BELOW THE AUTOMATIC GEAR LOWERING SPEED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AT ABOUT 1400 FT MSL. GROUND WITNESS REPORTED THE ACFT WAS FLYING LOW OVER THE GROUND PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION..IMPROPER..PILOT IN COMMAND
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
CLEARANCE..NOT MAINTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
TERRAIN CONDITION..HIGH TERRAIN
Contributing Factors
WEATHER CONDITION..DOWNDRAFT
Contributing Factors
AIRSPEED..NOT MAINTAINED..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
GEAR EXTENSION..INADEQUATE..PILOT IN COMMAND
Contributing Factors
OBJECT..TREE(S)
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