Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 18-150 near Salcha, AK — 2016-08-27

Final reportANC16LA060
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Date
2016-08-27
Location
Salcha, AK, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 18-150
Registration
N8998Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to continue visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an in-flight collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot stated that he was conducting a solo cross-country flight when he entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during the en route portion of the flight. In an attempt to exit IMC, the pilot continued straight ahead and began a descent. While descending, he saw trees through the fog and attempted to climb just prior to impacting the trees. Following the impact, a post-crash fire ensued. The accident pilot's flight instructor stated that he departed about 10 minutes ahead of the accident pilot in the same direction, but due to low cloud ceilings had returned to his departure airport. When he landed and turned on his cell phone, he received a voicemail from the accident pilot stating that he had crashed, there was a post-crash fire, and he needed help.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have turned back upon entering IMC instead of continuing the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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