SFTY 330
Travis S. Chaffin
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Accident Case Number: ERAU-330RL
Aircraft Type: 1980 PA-31-310
Tail Number: N517RL
Aircraft hours: 15,000 +
Crew: 1 pilot
Passengers: 4
Fatalities: 5

History of flight On November 7 2010, Zonk Air Charters flight 330 L was set to depart Lake Tahoe Airport (KTVL), on a sunset photographic flight. The aircraft was supposed to fly within 20 miles of the airport with a return to the same airport, or with the option to continue to Burbank California. At dusk, the pilot and passengers load the aircraft and departed the airport. The flight departed under visual flight rules and visual meteorological conditions. The weather was reported at 2 miles in lowering clouds and 900 feet overcast and deteriorating. After takeoff, the aircraft rotated and entered the lowering mist. Approximately 5 miles past the end of the runway, the aircraft was seen exiting the clouds in a steep left rolling bank, trailing smoke.
On scene actions Upon arrival at the accident scene, a preliminary visual inspection was done. Following the preliminary inspection, specific areas of responsibility were delegated to the rest of the investigating party.

On Scene Observations The aircraft first struck the top of a 100 foot communication tower. After the initial impact with the tower, the aircraft began a roll to the left and impacted the ground 400 feet from the base of the tower. This was determined by the discovery of the red tip light. With the discovery of the green tip light that was found 100 feet from the first ground scar, it was determined that after the first impact, the aircraft began to cart wheel and impacted the ground with the right wing. The aircraft fuselage separated from the wings and came to rest 50 feet from the last ground scar, and burned. There were no survivors.