# NTSB Accident LAX89LA278
> **PIPER PA-28-140** · 1989-08-14 · BUTTE MEADOWS, CA, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX89LA278
- **Event ID:** 20001213X29160
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 1989-08-14
- **Location:** BUTTE MEADOWS, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 40.019237, -121.569961
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 2
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 3
## Aircraft
- **Make:** PIPER
- **Model:** PA-28-140
- **Registration:** N3795K
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

THE PILOT IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING TO ATTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE TO CLEAR THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: THE HIGH TERRAIN AND HIGH DENSITY ATTITUDE.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX89LA278) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*