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10b) SUICIDE, C-FIT

Piper PA-32-300 | N4151R

January 2nd, 2025 | Round Mountain, Nevada

Accident Location

  • City: Round Mountain
  • State: Nevada
  • Latitude: 38.75102031
  • Longitude: -116.923899
  • Airport ID:

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N4151R
  • Make: Piper
  • Model: PA-32-300
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: Martin, Michael Timothy
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 65
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Private Pilot
  • IFR Rating: No
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 3rd Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: January 2nd, 2025
  • Time: 11:20 AM Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Enroute
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: WPR25LA080
  • NTSB Travel: No
  • AQP Classification: 10b) SUICIDE, C-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Suicide, in that the accident pilot was having family and business problems, and flew his aircraft in day VMC conditions to the highest and most remote portion of terrain that would be most likely to not be findable or reachable. The aircraft wreckage was located 16 days later at an elevation of 11,300 feet MSL, and recovered via helicopter on January 28, 2025.

NTSB:  Probable Cause issued 9/18/2026 – 21 months after the accident: Impact with mountainous terrain for reasons that could not be determined due to a lack of available evidence.

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become more aware and looking out for unusual high stress situations and offer help where possible. There is likely not a lot that anyone can do for this unfortunate category.

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.