N8502NPiper PA-32-300 · 1971

On May 17, 2026, about 0738 PDT, a Piper PA-32-300, N8502N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Empire, Nevada. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

An airport surveillance camera at Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada showed the airplane depart runway 32 at 0703. Preliminary ADS-B data provided by the FAA revealed that the airplane maneuvered to the northeast after takeoff and climbed to a cruise altitude of about 9,700 ft mean sea level (msl). About 18 minutes later, the airplane turned to the northwest and climbed to 11,600 ft msl. The airplane then turned north and continued its climb to a maximum altitude of 14,700 ft msl before it made a right turn towards the east and entered a right descending spiral. (See Figure 1). The last radar data hit showed that the airplane was located about 6 nm southwest of Empire, NV, at an altitude of 11,275 ft msl traveling at 167 knots ground speed.

Figure 1. Google Earth with ADS-B overlay

Preliminary air traffic control (ATC) audio revealed that ATC cleared the pilot to maneuver back towards Reno after the pilot stated that he was in clouds and was going to turn around. An alert notice (ALNOT) was then initiated by Oakland ARTCC (ZOA) after they lost communication with the pilot and the airplane disappeared from their radar screen.

According to the pilot’s route information in Foreflight, his destination was Sunrise Skypark Airport (ID40), Marsing, Idaho.

Meteorological reports indicated that a cold front was advancing southward across Northern Nevada at the time of the accident. The freezing level was approximately 6,300 ft mean sea level (msl), with a cloud base near 8,000 ft msl and icing conditions extending up to 18,000 ft msl near the accident site. The cloud tops were estimated to be between 17,000 and 19,000 ft msl, respectively.

The airplane was located by Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue 6.6 nm southwest of Empire, in an area of desert terrain at an elevation of about 4,003 ft msl. The debris path was 5,054 ft long by 2,555 ft wide and was oriented on a southern heading. (See Figure 2). All major components of the airplane were found within the debris path.

Figure 2. Google Earth with overlay of 3 photos: Left upper photo- main wreckage; lower left photo- empennage; right-photo- right wing

The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage, which exhibited downward crushing along its entire length. The left wing was partially attached to the fuselage with chordwise wrinkle and crush damage along the midspan of the wing, which extended from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

The right wing was found within the debris field about 1,987 ft southeast of the main wreckage. Chordwise wrinkle and crush damage were observed along the midspan of the wing which extended from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The main wing spar fractured just outboard from the attachment bolts of the lower spar cap. The fractured end of the lower spar cap was curved and bent in a downward direction.

The vertical stabilizer, rudder, and the right side of the stabilator were located about 2,045 ft southeast of the main wreckage. The vertical stabilizer exhibited crushing on its sides and a tear about mid-span along the leading edge. A small area of blue paint transfer was observed near the leading edge of the right stabilator. The rudder was separated from the vertical stabilizer and had fractured into two pieces. The lower portion of the rudder remained attached to the rudder horn and a portion of the aft tailcone bulkhead. The right side of the stabilator trim tab remained attached by its hinges and the right tip of the stabilator exhibited an area of blue paint transfer on the upper surface. Several fragments of the left side of the stabilator were found throughout the debris field.

The engine remained attached to the fuselage. All components and accessories remained secured to their respective mounting pads, with exception of the right magneto, which was found within the engine compartment. The two-blade, aluminum, constant speed propeller remained attached to the crankshaft propeller flange. One blade had been embedded in the terrain and exhibited an “S” shaped bend along its span. The other blade was unremarkable and did not appear to have contacted the ground.

The airplane and engine were recovered to a secured facility for further examination.