Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-24-260 near Blairsville, GA — 2021-10-13

Final reportERA22FA014
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Date
2021-10-13
Location
Blairsville, GA, USA
Airport
DZJ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-24-260
Registration
N9126P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to commence the flight in low IFR weather conditions, and making immediate turns after takeoff in IMC, resulting in spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot arrived at the airport for an instrument flight rules (IFR), cross-country flight to find a low ceiling and thick fog conditions prevailing. He waited for the weather to improve; however, he elected to depart when the ceiling was 200 ft and the visibility was ¼ mile in fog. The published departure procedure required a climb in visual conditions to cross the airport at or above 4,500 ft before continuing on course. Flight track data indicated that, immediately after takeoff, the pilot commenced a left turn to the northwest followed by a reverse turn to the right before the data ended. The airplane impacted trees and the bank of a lake, descending at a 22° angle to the ground. The airplane was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. Witnesses reported that the area around the accident site was enshrouded in thick fog at the time of the accident. The pilot most likely entered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) immediately after takeoff, experienced spatial disorientation, and lost control of the airplane. An examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of a preexisting mechanical failure or anomaly.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have delayed takeoff due to low visibility and fog conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents26

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