Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28R near Cedar Key, FL — 2017-02-12

Final reportERA17FA108
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Date
2017-02-12
Location
Cedar Key, FL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA28R
Registration
N4504X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The non-instrument-rated pilot's improper decision to continue visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The non-instrument rated private pilot departed in the airplane in visual meteorological conditions, which prevailed along most of the route of the over-water cross-country flight. However, about 20 miles from the destination airport, the airplane encountered an area of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) that consisted of overcast clouds with bases about 400 ft above the water. According to GPS data, when the airplane reached this area, it began to descend from a cruising altitude of 2,400 ft. About 7 minutes later, at an altitude of about 1,000 ft, the airplane began a left, descending, 180° turn during which the altitude fluctuated until the data ended about 600 ft above the water near the accident site. The airplane continued to descend until it impacted the water. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot had logged only 4.6 hours of simulated instrument experience and had no documented actual instrument experience. No evidence was found indicating that the pilot obtained an official weather briefing before the flight. If he had obtained such a briefing, he would have been told that visual flight rules (VFR) flight was not recommended due to IMC near the destination airport. Given the instrument conditions in the destination area and the pilot's limited instrument flying experience, it is likely that the pilot attempted to continue VFR flight into IMC, experienced spatial disorientation, and lost control of the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not obtain weather briefing before flight, leading into IMC conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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