Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-151 near Powder Springs, TN — 2009-01-03

Final reportERA09LA123
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Date
2009-01-03
Location
Powder Springs, TN, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-151
Registration
N43631
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The non-instrument rated pilot's decision to continue under visual flight rules into an area of instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

After departing the traffic pattern and turning toward mountainous terrain, the airplane entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot had some training for his instrument rating but did not yet possess one. A witness who resided near the accident location heard the airplane traveling in a northerly direction and impact terrain. He reported that, the "weather was overcast," and he could not see the tops of the mountains. He estimated that the cloud base at the time was about 100 to 200 feet below the tops of the mountains. Review of a weather briefing which was obtained by the pilot revealed that he was advised that flight under visual flight rules was not recommended due to low ceilings and visibility along the route of flight and that the pilot had declined to file a flight plan. Additionally, no evidence was discovered that indicated the pilot had attempted to receive updated weather information prior to the accident flight, or that he had contact with air traffic control. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact malfunctions or failures.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have aborted the flight due to IMC conditions after pre-flight briefing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • CVR
  • Photos
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

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