PIPER PA-32 near Koliganek, AK — 2008-04-01

Probable cause

The pilot's VFR flight into adverse weather conditions that resulted in a collision with snow-covered terrain during a turn to reverse direction. Factors contributing to the accident were low ceilings, flat lighting conditions, and the snow-covered terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was in cruise flight about 700 feet agl over near featureless snow-covered terrain when he encounter lowering ceilings. He described the weather conditions as rapidly deteriorating. He began a turn to reverse direction, and the airplane collided with terrain. His destination, about 10 miles away, was reporting a visibility of 2 miles in mist, and a ceiling of 400 feet broken. The ceiling was variable between 200 to 900 feet. A low ceiling and snow-covered terrain likely produced flat lighting conditions, making visual reference to terrain, and determining height above the ground difficult.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

VFR into IMC

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have turned back earlier before weather deteriorated.

NTSB coding

• Loss of visual reference · Maneuvering

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

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