U-FITAQP: 24) IN FLIGHT BREAKUP

Piper PA-32-300 | N8502N

Emire, Nevada

  • DTSB analysis published
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Key facts

  • DateMay 17, 2026
  • Local time7:35 AM
  • LightDay
  • WeatherIMC
  • Phase of flightEnroute
  • People on board2
  • Fatalities2

Accident Location

City, State
Emire, Nevada
Latitude
40.496747
Longitude
-119.511539

Aircraft Info

N Number
N8502N
Make
Piper
Model
PA-32-300
Category / Class
Aircraft Single Engine Land
Amateur Built
No

Pilot Info

Pilot in command
Dickman, Edward A.
Gender
Male
Age
77
Certification
Airline Transport Pilot
IFR rating
Yes
Medical
Basic Med
Flight school
No
Instructional flight
No

Analysis

Weather
IMC
Time of day
Day
Phase of flight
Enroute
Pilot error
Yes
Pilot incapacitation
No
People on board
2
PIC fatality
1
Passenger fatalities
1
Total fatalities
2
NTSB travel
Unknown

Probable Cause

THE DTSB

Pending. On departure, pilot requested flight following to Boise and confirmed with ATC he would fly 9,500 but may have to climb higher for weather. Pilot later requested and received permission to return to Reno after climbing above 14,500. In flight break up.

NTSB

None yet (final report not yet published).

Recommendation

THE DTSB

Pending.

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