Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32 - 300 near Tinian Island — 2013-10-06

Final reportWPR14LA007
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Date
2013-10-06
Location
Tinian Island, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA32 - 300
Registration
N4089W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
3
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering at low altitude in dark night conditions.

NTSB narrative

During a night visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight, the pilot encountered a rain shower that reduced the cloud ceiling and visibility, so he then attempted to return to the departure airport. While maneuvering, the airplane descended and impacted terrain. A witness estimated that the airplane's altitude was less than 500 feet. He saw the airplane make a sharp left turn and then fly out of his view and then he heard the sound of a crash. Physical evidence observed at the accident site was consistent with controlled flight into terrain. No evidence was found of any preimpact mechanical discrepancies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Damage to the propeller blades was consistent with the engine developing power at impact. It is likely that the pilot attempted to maintain VFR flight by descending to remain below the clouds and was unable to see and avoid the terrain due to dark night conditions.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to avoid the rain showers and not proceed toward VOA antennas.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 18 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents18

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