TIMOTHY C WILLIAMS CCK-1865 near Linesville, PA — 2015-12-07

Probable cause

The noninstrument-rated pilot's improper decision to attempt a flight under visual flight rules at night in instrument meteorological conditions to an unlit airstrip, which resulted in controlled flight into terrain.

NTSB narrative

The noninstrument-rated pilot not receive a weather briefing before taking off on a personal flight on a dark, moonless night in instrument meteorological conditions. Review of GPS and engine monitor data revealed that, during the last 2 minutes of the 13-minute flight, the airplane descended to 500 ft above ground (agl) level and continued toward the destination airport, which had one turf runway with no lighting. The airplane then overflew the destination airport at 300 ft agl, continued on its course, and then impacted trees about 1 mile beyond the departure end of the airstrip. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The engine monitor data also showed that the engine was operating with cruise power up to the end of the data.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

VFR into IMC

First missed decision gate

Pilot should not have attempted flight in night IMC without instrument rating.

NTSB coding

• VFR encounter with IMC · Approach
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 15 docket documents

Docket documents15

• Evidence Control Formsform
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
• Interview Summariesinterview
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Excerpt from Airframe Logbookother
• Excerpts from Pilot Logbookother
• Map of Airport and Accident Siteother
• Sun and Moon Dataother
• Photo Arrayphotos
• Attachment 1 to Multiple Electronic Devices - Specialist's Factual Reportreport
• Attachment 2 to Multiple Electronic Devices - Specialist's Factual Reportreport
• Attachment 3 to Multiple Electronic Devices - Specialist's Factual Reportreport
• Multiple Electronic Devices - Specialist's Factual Reportreport
• Toxicological Reportreport
• Weather Reportsreport

Related mishaps

• BEECH A36

  2023-07-07 · Rayville, LA · 2 fatalities

• Cessna 172

  2020-09-13 · Seeley Lake, MT · 2 fatalities

• AIRBUS AS350

  2015-10-27 · Deadhorse, AK

• MOONEY M20C

  2014-11-15 · Pagosa Springs, CO · 2 fatalities

• BEECH 1900C

  2013-11-22 · Deadhorse, AK

• CESSNA T-50

  2013-09-03 · Lenox Twp., PA · 2 fatalities