Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-161 near Benton, PA — 2011-01-03

Final reportERA11LA104
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Date
2011-01-03
Location
Benton, PA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-161
Registration
N42997
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during the night flight.

NTSB narrative

The instrument-rated pilot was on the return leg of a three-leg cross country flight at night when he encountered clouds in his path. He considered climbing above the clouds, but he was concerned that he would not be able to descend back down through them. He elected to descend below the clouds, and misjudged the distance between the clouds and the ground. The airplane collided with trees and terrain at an elevation of about 2,200 feet in a remote, wooded area. The airplane sustained substantial damage by impact forces and post-crash fire. The pilot reported he did not see the trees or the terrain prior to the collision. Additionally, he stated that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane during the flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
VFR into IMC
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have filed a flight plan before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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